Price Fixing in the Auto Parts Industry

[Lanval]

I saw this, and can't decide whether I'm surprised by it or not. Probably didn't affect us though...

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/ ... TE20130926

[Amskeptic]

I saw this, and can't decide whether I'm surprised by it or not. Probably didn't affect us though...

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/ ... TE20130926

It affects all of us through raising the price floor and redefining "normal" or "usual".

I personally am curious why there is rampant inflation in our auto parts stores, particularly paints. Duplicolor used to cost $3.97 for a 14 oz can. Now they have 7 oz touch-ups for $6.97.

The most insidious "fixing" is the manipulation of quantity in packaging.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/busin ... d=all&_r=0

[TrollFromDownBelow]

okay - know this is ancient news, but i just came across this thread.... the parts they talk about are to supply the OEM's for production cars; not the parts we buy at Oreilly's, Autozone, your local FLAPs or their ilk. Don't get me wrong, by no means am I defending - just want to be sure your anger and frustration is directed correctly. ;)

[Amskeptic]

okay - know this is ancient news, but i just came across this thread.... the parts they talk about are to supply the OEM's for production cars; not the parts we buy at Oreilly's, Autozone, your local FLAPs or their ilk. Don't get me wrong, by no means am I defending - just want to be sure your anger and frustration is directed correctly. ;)

To the original topic:
"Probably didn't affect us though..." said Lanval.
"It affects all of us through raising the price floor and redefining 'normal' or 'usual'," said Colin.

Then Thread Drift I:
"I personally am curious why there is rampant inflation in our auto parts stores," said Colin
. . . and now that Dupicolor paints are coming in at $7.13 here in New York, I am still angered and frustrated and it is directed at the corporations who are runamok "extracting" from the American consumer. Correctly, I might add.

Mike, who is the manufacturer of headlamp cover plastic and why is it becoming so opaque so quickly on all cars? Mercedes! BMW! Honda! Ford! Headlamps get hidden under yellow fogged crap.
So why does my 22 year-old Lexus have perfectly crystal clear *plastic" lenses over the big side lenses right next to the headlamps? Why are the "luxury" car manufacturers buying such obvious evidence of poor quality? Any idea?
Colin

[TrollFromDownBelow]

Mike, who is the manufacturer of headlamp cover plastic and why is it becoming so opaque so quickly on all[/b cars? Mercedes! BMW! Honda! Ford! Headlamps get hidden under yellow fogged crap.
So why does my 22 year-old Lexus have perfectly crystal clear *plastic" lenses over the big side lenses right next to the headlamps? Why are the "luxury" car manufacturers buying such obvious evidence of poor quality? Any idea?
Colin

My E39 plastic headlamps are hazy, but not yellow - I suspect that is from 150k miles of sand/road dirt/etc. Yes, agree the yellowishness is a curse. Although the glass headlamps on my daughters plane jane '95 Pontiac Bonneville are still perfectly clear. Even though glass limits the shape, I sure do like how they stay nice and clear over the years.

I know who builds airbags, seatbelts, seats/interiors, rear ends, wiring harnesses, but not so much headlamps.