Manufacturers commit to independent operations and reject future restrictive agreements with state regulators
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has closed its investigation into whether major truck manufacturers violated antitrust laws through the “Clean Truck Partnership” with the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The commission concluded the case after Daimler Truck, International Motors, PACCAR, Volvo Group, and the Truck & Engine Manufacturers Association provided binding commitments to avoid similar agreements in the future and maintain independent business practices.
The Clean Truck Partnership, formed in 2023, committed manufacturers to comply with California’s zero-emission truck rules. The FTC raised concerns that this arrangement imposed output restrictions, limited competition, and locked in terms without adequate political accountability.
“CARB’s regulatory overreach posed a major threat to American trucking and, in our view, presented serious antitrust concerns,” said Bureau of Competition Deputy Director Taylor Hoogendoorn. “The Bureau is pleased that the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturers agreed to a course correction. The Commission’s swift action will put the Clean Truck Partnership squarely in the rearview mirror and prevent repeats of CARB’s troubling regulatory gambit.”
Following federal legislation revoking CARB’s regulatory waivers, the manufacturers disavowed the agreement and pledged not to enforce or recreate it. The Commission’s decision to close the case was unanimous.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Chair Ferguson to be led by the Lord as he heads the FTC.
- For Deputy Director Hoogendoorn as he oversees the Bureau of Competition.
- For wisdom for FTC officials as they assess U.S. business practices and state regulations for anti-competitive and anti-trust violations.
Sources: Federal Trade Commission
