SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — More information has unfolded today about the investigation into possible anti-competitive behavior between several auto parts suppliers. The news broke yesterday after it was reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation raided the Southfield, Mich., offices of Denso International; Tokai Rika America in Plymouth, Mich.; and Yazaki North America locations in Canton and Lexington, Ky., and Columbus, Ohio.
According to media reports, the raids were part of an antitrust probe launched by federal authorities. According to a spokeswoman for the Department of Justice, authorities are looking into “the possibility of anticompetitive cartel conduct of automotive electronic components suppliers.”
Today, additional media reports indicate that the investigation into alleged price-fixing is a joint probe being conducted by the U.S. Dept. of Justice, the European Commission (EU) and other competition regulators around the globe. According to BusinessWeek, the EU said it has reason to believe that certain companies may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels.
Late yesterday, Southfield, Mich.-based Lear Corp. announced that it was notified by the EU that it is part of an investigation into anticompetitive practices among automotive electrical and electronic component suppliers. Lear noted that the Commission has publicly stated that the investigation does not mean that the companies involved are guilty of anticompetitive behavior.
Lear Corp. is one of the world’s leading suppliers of automotive seating and electrical power management systems. The company has 197 facilities in 35 countries.
"Lear is cooperating fully with the European Commission in their investigation, and I am confident that our company is not involved in any anticompetitive practices," said Bob Rossiter, Lear’s chairman, chief executive officer and president.
Reports yesterday initially linked Denso, Tokai Rika America and Yazaki as Toyota suppliers, however no connections have been made between this global investigation and the current issues regarding Toyota vehicle recalls. The raids, which have been expanded to other suppliers in Japan and Europe, are now believed to be centered on companies that make wire harnesses.
