An auto parts antitrust lawsuit may be an option for direct purchasers of certain auto parts, including valve timing control devices, ceramic substrates, steering angle sensors, various switches, ballasts, and fan motors. While the manufacturing dates vary, most auto parts were made between July 1998 and the present. Affected parties may be eligible to pursue compensation with the help of an antitrust attorney.
If you or someone you know purchased any of the auto parts listed below, contact Attorney Group to learn more about your options. We offer free, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated auto parts antitrust lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Plaintiffs Allegedly Paid Artificially Inflated Prices for Auto Parts
An auto parts class lawsuit filed in November 2016 involving anti-vibration rubber parts alleges that several auto parts manufacturers violated antitrust laws. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit, direct purchasers, claim that the manufacturers violated such laws by entering into a continuing conspiracy to fix, raise and maintain prices of specific auto parts at pricing above sustainable levels. As a result, plaintiffs and other class members allegedly paid artificially inflated prices for the auto parts and suffered antitrust injury to their business or property.
In light of the class action lawsuit filed in late 2016, other auto part manufacturers may be facing similar allegations regarding certain auto parts. Other affected auto parts and their manufacturing dates include:
- Ceramic Substrates – Uncoated ceramic monoliths used in automotive catalytic convertors. Manufactured by Corning, Inc., Denso Corporation, and NGK Insulators from July 2000 to present.
- Fan Motors – Small electric motors used to turn radiator cooling fans. Manufactured by Mitsuba Corporation, American Mitsuba Corporation, Denso Corporation, and Denso International America, Inc. from January 2000 to present.
- HID Ballasts – Electrical device that limits the amount of electrical current flowing to an HID headlamp. Manufactured by Denso Corporation, North America Lighting, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO), Panasonic Corporation, Stanley Electric, and Koito Manufacturing from July 1998 to present.
- Steering Angle Sensors – Detects the angle of the vehicle’s steering and sends signals to a vehicle computer which controls vehicle stability during turns. Manufactured by Panasonic Corporation and Hitachi from January 2000 to present.
- Switches, including steering wheel switches, turn switches, wiper switches, combination switches and door courtesy switches. Manufactured by Omron Automotive, Panasonic Corporation, Tokai Rika Co., and TRAM from January 2003 to present.
- Valve Timing Control Devices, including variable timing control actuators, solenoid valves, oil control valves, variable crankshaft timing and variable valve timing systems. Manufactured by Aisin Seiki, Denso Corporation, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO), and Mikuni Corporation from January 2000 to present.
Similar lawsuits involving these and other auto parts purchased directly by independent garage owners, parts retailers, and others may be filed against the auto parts manufacturers listed above.
Affected Parties May Be Eligible to File an Auto Parts Antitrust Lawsuit
When companies engage in collusive or other wrongful conduct, they could be liable for any damages that result. If the allegations of violations of the Sherman and Clayton Acts against any of the auto parts manufacturers are proven, individuals and other entities, including independent garage owners, parts retailers, and other direct purchasers, may be able to recover the losses they suffered as a result of the defendants’ actions, as well as other damages.
Individuals who have purchased auto parts directly from any of the manufacturers named in this article during the dates listed may be eligible to pursue damages by filing an antitrust lawsuit and are encouraged to seek the advice of an experienced auto parts antitrust lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
