VW released its September sales figures this afternoon, the first monthly report since the diesel emission crisis. Art Wheaton, automotive expert and senior extension associate with Cornell University’s ILR School, says sales were better than expected, but there are countless lawsuits and road blocks ahead from many countries.

Wheaton says: “The sales at VW were better than expected after the EPA diesel emissions crisis. The overall sales were relatively flat but the case did not become widely publicized until Sept.18.

“Early sales with the Labor Day holiday were likely the reason for a small increase in monthly sales while the competition had very strong sales last month. VW has done a good job of accepting responsibility for its illegal activities but has not yet discussed its strategy for recalls and fixing emissions on the impacted vehicles. Early apologies and cooperating with the EPA will help reduce the fines but there are countless lawsuits and road blocks ahead from many countries.”