LA County FD suing REV group, Oshkosh and others

[RCL]

Apparently LACoFD has had enough. There suing at least 3 major players for monopoly, and anticompetitive practices.

Los Angeles County Sues Fire Apparatus Builders Over Prices, Delays

Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against fire truck manufacturers, alleging monopolistic practices that have led to inflated prices and delivery delays.

www.firehouse.com

 

[DaveReinstein]

This paragraph suck out.
“What the lawsuit calls monopolistic behavior has affected the timely acquisition of new fire trucks and fire engines by the department, at a time when heightened fire dangers from climate change — including the recent Palisades and Eaton fires that destroyed 18,000 properties and killed 31 residents — are spotlighting firefighting readiness in the county.”

 

[RCL]

This paragraph suck out.
“What the lawsuit calls monopolistic behavior has affected the timely acquisition of new fire trucks and fire engines by the department, at a time when heightened fire dangers from climate change — including the recent Palisades and Eaton fires that destroyed 18,000 properties and killed 31 residents — are spotlighting firefighting readiness in the county.”

The one that stuck out for me was the 1 where they talked about delivery times tripling, and pricing doubling, then adding where budgets are already being strained. Meanwhile NFPA which is what just about everyone follows, is being pretty much ignored. At the rate were going, in order to meet the 10 year front line replacement, youd have to order a new rig, on the same day that you take delivery of the newest unit. Look at Seagrave and FDNYs units. Some are going 12 years or so on average from what I can tell, from the new Seagrave thread.

 

[Capttomo]

Outstanding. Hope they prevail and hope this brings about major changes in these monopolistic predators of taxpayer money

 

[RCL]

Outstanding. Hope they prevail and hope this brings about major changes in these monopolistic predators of taxpayer money

Here's my question. Can a basically local California judge/ jury force a break up of a national company? Or is it something that belongs in a federal court and LACo shot themselves in the foot? Or are they hoping Washington notices and does it for them.

 

[Capttomo]

Here's my question. Can a basically local California judge/ jury force a break up of a national company? Or is it something that belongs in a federal court and LACo shot themselves in the foot? Or are they hoping Washington notices and does it for them.

I tend to agree with you that a state judge cannot breakup companies on that level. However, increasingly, more and more municipalities are bringing similar legal action against the big three fire apparatus manufacturers. At that point these corporations are having to defend and address legal action all over the country by local governments seeking damages. This could become death by a thousand cuts. Much like the tobacco industry experienced decades ago. Remember these are private equity and venture capitalist companies who are attempting to squeeze every penny in profit. When legal expenses become troublesome for these companies and start having a significant effect on the profit margins, change may have to occur. Being a Bronx boy I learned a long time ago the best way to handle bullies was to fight back. You only fought a bully once. Yes you got your ass kicked but you landed a few punches back and the bully moved on to pick on the the weaker and leave you alone. Thus, using this metaphor. If the American fire service fights back and causes financial impact to these companies we may see some relief.