At the start of the new year, (in addition to making some
personal resolutions), it is a good time to think prospectively
about our industry, our business, and the legal challenges we
anticipate. For my compliance clients, that means dusting off those
policies and procedures sitting on the shelf and newly assessing
your business and legal risk to ensure your policies and internal
controls have kept up with new challenges, new technologies, and
new rules and regulations.
The auto industry, in particular, continues to face intense
scrutiny in antitrust. Last week, another company pled guilty to a
two-count felony charge for its role in price fixing conspiracies
involving automobile lighting fixtures and lamp ballasts. This
latest announcement has brought the total to 24 companies that have
pled guilty and 26 individuals charged in the automotive price
fixing and bid rigging investigation. The criminal investigation
only underscores the need to continuously monitor your
