Paxton Probes Firetruck Cartel

Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a probe into firetruck manufacturers REV Group, Inc., Oshkosh Corporation, and Rosenbauer Group for their potential involvement in an anticompetitive scheme that threatens public safety in Texas.

The investigation was sparked by complaints from Texas municipalities and fire departments, which have experienced dramatic price increases for essential firefighting equipment, including aerial ladder trucks, pumper engines, tanker trucks, and rescue vehicles. The price hikes, often reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars per vehicle, have coincided with industry consolidation and suspicious plant closures during peak demand.

According to Attorney General Paxton, the price spikes have strained local budgets and forced firefighters to rely on aging or inadequate fleets, hampering their ability to protect Texas communities. "Our state’s firefighters put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe, and departments deserve fair access to reliable, up to date equipment at reasonable prices," said Attorney General Paxton.

As part of the ongoing investigation, Attorney General Paxton has issued Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) demanding documents and information related to the business practices of the three manufacturers. The AG’s office is encouraging Texas counties, cities, and other municipalities that have experienced excessive price hikes, delivery delays, or other suspicious conduct by firetruck manufacturers or dealers to come forward and share any relevant information.

The investigation has already uncovered multiple potentially unlawful price hikes impacting Texas fire departments, many of which have already submitted complaints. Attorney General Paxton’s office can be reached at antitrust@oag.texas.gov for those who wish to provide information or file a complaint.

Attorney General Paxton has made it clear that public safety remains one of his highest priorities, and he will not hesitate to take action against any company or individual that engages in illegal activities that compromise the safety of Texans or Texas firefighters. The AG’s office will continue to monitor the situation and take further action as necessary to ensure that fire departments across the state have access to the equipment they need to keep their communities safe.

In a statement, Attorney General Paxton vowed to combat illegal market activities that may compromise Texans’ safety and the safety of Texas firefighters. "I will not allow public safety or the well-being of our firefighters to be compromised by unethical and illegal corporate activity," he said. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken against the manufacturers and what impact this will have on the fire departments and communities affected.