Another California aftermarket auto lights distributor agreed to plead guilty for participating in a global conspiracy to fix the prices of aftermarket auto lights, the Department of Justice announced in a press release on September 12, 2011. Maxzone Vehicle Lighting Corp. conspired with others to suppress and eliminate competition by fixing the prices of aftermarket auto lights, according to a one-count felony charge filed in United States District Court in San Francisco. Maxzone agreed to pay a $43 million criminal fine under the plea agreement and to assist the department in its ongoing investigation into the aftermarket auto lights industry.
Maxzone and co-conspirators participated in a scheme in which the participants met and agreed to charge prices of aftermarket auto lights at certain predetermined levels, according to the charge. Court documents also said the participants in the conspiracy issued price announcements and price lists in accordance with the agreements reached, and collected and exchanged information on prices and sales of aftermarket auto lights for the purpose of monitoring and enforcing adherence to the agreed-upon prices. Maxzone is charged with violating the Sherman Act, which carries a maximum penalty of a $100 million criminal fine, according to the release.
Maxzone is the second United States aftermarket auto lights distributor to be charged in connection with the department’s ongoing investigation into the aftermarket auto lights industry, following Sabry Lee’s agreement to plead guilty in August. Again, every automobile involves numerous parts from multiple parties all seeking to bolster their bottom line. The good news remains that California’s auto lemon law still protects consumers who are only seeking a fair deal. While aftermarket auto lights night not be the reason you are seeking to get out of a car contract, if you believe that there was some other type of hidden charge or auto dealership fraud in your last purchase, you should contact of our experienced lemon law lawyers.
Rosner, Barry & Babbitt, LLP – California lemon law attorneys