Obtained More Than $1.2 Billion, the Largest Indirect Purchaser Recovery in U.S. History, in Automotive Parts Antitrust Litigation

In re Automotive Parts Antitrust Litigation, No. 12-md-02311 (E.D. Mich.)

As court-appointed co-lead counsel, Robins Kaplan has secured more than $1.2 billion in settlements for victims of a massive web of long-running price-fixing, bid-rigging, and market allocation conspiracies throughout the auto parts industry. The cumulative settlement represents the largest antitrust indirect purchaser recovery in U.S. history.

The multidistrict litigation has lasted for more than 12 years and stems from the largest criminal antitrust investigation in U.S. history. It encompasses more than 40 separate actions against more than 160 defendants, each involving different auto parts, alleged anticompetitive agreements, alleged conspirators, and timelines. 

Robins Kaplan represents “end-payor” plaintiffs—consumers and businesses that purchased vehicles containing automotive parts subject to price-fixing agreements by the defendants and their co-conspirators. While the Department of Justice referred to these consumers as the “true victims” of the conspiracy, it has not sought any restitution on their behalf. The efforts of Robins Kaplan and its co-lead counsel therefore represent end-payor plaintiffs’ only chance to recover monetary compensation for the harm they suffered.