On May 11, a federal judge in Michigan granted final approval of a $225 million partial settlement for American consumers and businesses that purchased automobiles affected by an allegedly illegal conspiracy to fix the prices of auto parts. Seltzer is co-lead counsel for end-payer plaintiffs in the long-running multidistrict class action. In re: Automotive Parts Antitrust Litigation, 2:12-md-02311 (E.D. Mich., coordinated June 15, 2012)
The massive price-fixing class action alleges direct purchasers were overcharged for parts including wire harness products, heater control panels, occupant safety restraint system products and windshield washer systems. At least 10 automotive parts manufacturer defendants were allegedly involved in the conspiracy.
Seltzer said he and fellow plaintiffs' lawyers had the advantage of facts gleaned in the U.S. Department of Justice's probe into the price-fixing claims, an inquiry that turned into the largest criminal antitrust investigation ever conducted by the DOJ's antitrust division. The outcome was criminal charges against dozens of companies worldwide, resulting in billions of dollar in criminal fines paid to the U.S. government.
"Although government proceedings really started this case, our role was to determine what claims could be brought on behalf of consumers," Seltzer said. "The conspiracy spanned more than a decade and involved illegal conduct throughout the world." He added that the litigation has been challenging because of its complexity and vast scope. "But it has been very gratifying to be able to provide relief for the victims of the conspiracy."
Seltzer is also on the steering committee for a nationwide antitrust class action targeting the world's largest makers of lithium ion batteries. It claims the Japanese and Korean corporate defendants conspired over more than a decade to unlawfully fix, raise and stabilize prices. Lithium Ion Batteries Antitrust Litigation, 4:13-MD-02420 (N.D. Cal., filed Feb. 6, 2013)
And he is on the plaintiffs' executive committee in a massive class action against General Motors Co., in which hundreds of suits have been consolidated in multidistrict litigation in New York over an alleged ignition switch defect that can disable auto air bags. In re: General Motors LLC Ignition Switch Litigation, 14-MD-2543 (S.D. N.Y., consolidated June 9, 2014)
- John Roemer
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