The complaint, filed May 18, names Oshkosh Corp. and REV Group Inc. among other manufacturers, alongside more than 50 dealer defendants. The suit alleges that the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to restrict supply, allocate markets through exclusive dealer agreements, and fix prices at supracompetitive levels.
The city, which has a population of approximately 60,000, is seeking injunctive relief, treble damages, and a declaration that the defendants' conduct is unlawful under the Sherman Antitrust Act and the Clayton Act.
According to the complaint, the two largest manufacturers control a significant majority of the U.S. fire apparatus market. The suit alleges that this consolidation allowed the defendants to restrict supply and extend delivery times, while exclusive dealer agreements prevented competition between dealers of the same brand and across different brands within designated territories.
The complaint cites the City of Fountain Valley's own experience as an example of the alleged harm. In February 2025, the city purchased a fire apparatus manufactured by Oshkosh's Pierce brand through South Coast Fire Equipment for approximately $1.1 million. The vehicle has not yet been delivered, according to the filing.
The suit also alleges that manufacturers used shared software, known as "configurators," to coordinate with dealers and prevent them from offering prices below a minimum threshold. Additionally, the complaint claims that manufacturers restricted production capacity and invested in stock buybacks rather than expanding output, despite surging demand.
The International Association of Fire Fighters has previously called for investigations into consolidation in the fire and emergency vehicle manufacturing sector, noting concerns over rising costs and delivery delays.
The city seeks to represent a class of public entities across the United States that purchased fire apparatus from the named defendants during the relevant period.