The hundreds of frustrated Volkswagen dealers who turned up at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention in March in Las Vegas faced a difficult decision.
Charge ahead with a class-action lawsuit against the automaker for damages related to the diesel emissions scandal, or roll the dice on an out-of-court deal.
At the last minute, retailers decided to go for a settlement — wishing to avoid a contentious court battle that would further damage a franchise already under siege. But that choice may prove to be a costly miscalculation.