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*** THE CLAIM PERIOD IS CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS ***

The online claim filing portal will be closed shortly after March 8, 2024 for any class members with a claim ID and PIN. Further information can be found at www.autopartsettlement.ca

Note: Clicking on the “Join” button above is NOT filing a claim. The claims process relates to 23 actions. The claims process has not yet commenced for 14 actions. Clicking on the “Join” button above (or filing a claim) will ensure that you are sent updates about the remaining actions that are not part of this claims process.

The Auto Parts actions are comprised of approximately forty-five (45) class actions that have been commenced regarding alleged price-fixing of automobile parts. The unlawful conspiracies relate to the prices of parts installed by automakers in new vehicles. The class actions affect any person in Canada who purchased or leased a new vehicle containing the relevant parts or who purchased the relevant parts for installation in a new vehicle (ie. automakers).

A description of the relevant automotive parts and the relevant class periods can be found here.

Most of the actions have been fully resolved. Only two actions remain ongoing - Braking Systems and Door Latches & Closure Systems actions.

Developments

Below is information relating to:

  • Proposed settlements and the court approval hearing dates;
  • Information about the distribution of the settlement funds, including:
    • the current ongoing distribution in 23 actions. The online claim filing portal will be closed shortly after March 8, 2024 for any class members with a claim ID and PIN;
    • the status of the distribution in the Bearings action;
    • the proposed distribution in 13 actions and the court approval hearing dates; and
    • the concluded distributions in eight actions; and
  • Information relating to the contested litigation in the Braking Systems and Door Latches & Closure Systems actions.

Settlements

To date, settlements have been entered into totalling approximately $180 million. Details of the settlements can be found here.

The SKF settlement has been approved in Ontario. Approval remains outstanding in Quebec. The Quebec Court initially approved the Settlement Agreement as being fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of Settlement Class Members. However, the Fonds d'aide aux actions collectives sought and was granted leave to appeal the approval order on the basis that the Settlement Agreement had not been translated into French. The parties agreed to resolve the appeal, translate the settlement, and publish a second notice of proposed settlement in Quebec.

If there are any objections to the proposed settlement, another Settlement Approval Hearing will take place in Quebec on March 8, 2024 at 2pm, by videoconference. If there are no objections, the Quebec Court will be asked to issue an order approving the Settlement Agreement without a further hearing.

A copy of the Notice of Hearing can be found here. [English] [French]

All other settlements were previously approved by the Ontario, British Columbia and/or Quebec Courts, as applicable.

Distribution

The claims process has commenced in 23 actions (see heading “Claims Administration Process Commenced”). Approval of Proposed Distribution Protocols is pending in 13 actions (see heading “Pending Court Approval”). Settlement funds have been distributed in eight actions (see heading “Claims Administration Process Concluded”). The settlement funds for the Bearings action are not being distributed at this time pending approval of the SKF agreement in Quebec. (see above for further information).

Claims Administration Process Commenced - Second Omnibus Distribution Protocol
(Alternators, Automatic Transmission Fluid Warmers and Oil Coolers, Automotive Brake Hoses, Automotive Hoses, Body Sealing Parts, Ceramic Substrates, Electric Powered Steering (“EPS”) Assemblies, Electronic Throttle Bodies, Fuel Injection Systems, Heater Control Panels, High Intensity Discharge (“HID”) Ballasts, Inverters, Manual Steering Columns, Motor Generators, Occupant Safety Systems, Oxygen Sensors, Plastic Interior Trim, Radiators, Spark Plugs, Starters, Steering Angle Sensors, Switches, and Windshield Wiper Systems)

Settlements have been reached with all defendants in the above-noted actions.

The claims process is now open. The online claim filing portal will be closed shortly after March 8, 2024 for any class members with a claim ID and PIN.

To submit a claim, visit www.autopartsettlement.ca. If you have any questions please email [email protected] or call the claims administrator toll-free at 1.866.474.4331.

To be eligible for settlement benefits in any particular action, you must have purchased and/or leased a new passenger car, sport utility vehicle, van, and/or light truck (up to 10,000 lbs) from the applicable Automaker(s) (listed in the chart below) during the relevant period.

Automaker Relevant Period
Aston Martin Jan 1, 2000 to Jun 30, 2014
BMW/Mini Cooper Jan 1, 2000 to Dec 4, 2014
Chrysler/Dodge/Fiat/Jeep/Ram Jan 1, 2000 to Jul 31, 2015
Ford/ Lincoln/ Mercury Jul 1, 1999 to Jul 31, 2015
General Motors (Buick/Cadillac/Chevrolet/Daewoo/GMC/ Hummer/Isuzu/ Oldsmobile/Pontiac/ Saab/Saturn) Jul 1, 1999 to Jul 31, 2015
Honda/ Acura Jul 1, 1998 to Sept 30, 2016
Jaguar/Land Rover Jan 1, 2000 to Jun 30, 2014
Mazda Jul 1, 1998 to Dec 4, 2014
Nissan/Infiniti Jul 1, 1998 to Sept 30, 2016
Subaru Jul 1, 1998 to Sept 30, 2016
Toyota/Lexus Jul 1, 1998 to Sept 30, 2016
Volkswagen/Audi/Porsche Jan 1, 2000 to Dec 4, 2014
Volvo Jan 1, 2000 to Jun 30, 2014

 

For more information about the claims process, please review the Notice of Claims Process [English] [French]

Alternators, Automatic Transmission Fluid Warmers and Oil Coolers, Automotive Brake Hoses, Automotive Hoses, Fuel Injection Systems, Heater Control Panels, Inverters, Motor Generators, Occupant Safety Systems, Oxygen Sensors, Radiators, Spark Plugs, Starters, Steering Angle Sensors, Switches, and Windshield Wiper Systems

Electronic Throttle Bodies

Body Sealing Parts, Ceramic Substrates, and Plastic Interior Trim

Automotive Bearings*, Electric Powered Steering (“EPS”) Assemblies, High Intensity Discharge (“HID”) Ballasts, and Manual Steering Columns.

*Notwithstanding that this Distribution Protocol refers to Automotive Bearings, the funds for this action are not being distributed at this time. Please check the settlement website www.autopartsettlement.ca for updates about the Automotive Bearings distribution.

Pending Court Approval: Add-on to the Second Omnibus Distribution Protocol
(Automotive Access Mechanisms, Automotive Steel Tubes, Power Window Switches, and Valve Timing Control Devices)

Settlements have been reached with all defendants in the above-noted actions. The proposed protocol for distributing the settlement funds is subject to Court approval in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.

The proposed Distribution Protocol has been approved in Ontario and/or Quebec, as applicable. A motion will be brought before the British Columbia Court in writing to approve the distribution protocol as it relates to the Automotive Steel Tubes and Power Window Switches actions.

For more information about the proposed distribution, please review the Notice of Hearing. [English] [French]

A copy of the proposed Distribution Protocol can be found here. [English] [French]

Pending Court Approval: Third Omnibus Distribution Protocol
(Air Conditioning Systems, Anti-Vibration Rubber (“AVR”) Parts, Autolights, Automotive Exhaust Systems, Braking Systems, Door Latches & Closure Systems, Ignition Coils, Instrument Panel Clusters (“IPC”), and Shock Absorbers)

Settlements have been reached with all defendants in the above-noted actions, with the exception of one defendant group in each of the Braking Systems and Door Latches & Closure Systems actions. Funds will not be distributed in the Braking Systems and Door Latches & Closure Systems actions at this time. Settlement Class Members must file a claim in the Third Omnibus Distribution to be eligible for future compensation in these cases. After the Braking Systems and Door Latches & Closure Systems resolve in full, a further Court Order will be sought approving a proposed distribution of these settlement funds.

The proposed Distribution Protocol has been approved in Ontario and/or Quebec, as applicable. A motion will be brought before the British Columbia Court in writing to approve the distribution protocol as it relates to the Air Conditioning Systems, AVR, Autolights, Automotive Exhaust Systems, Braking Systems, Ignition Coils and IPC actions.

For more information about the proposed distribution, please review the Notice of Hearing. [English] [French]

A copy of the proposed Distribution Protocol can be found here. [English] [French]

Claims Administration Process Concluded - First Omnibus Distribution
(Automotive Wire Harness Systems, Air Flow Meters, Constant Velocity-Joint Boot Products, Electronic Control Units, Fan Motors, Fuel Senders, Power Window Motors, and Windshield Washer Systems)

Settlements have been reached with all defendants in the above-noted actions.

The deadline to apply for compensation has passed and the Claims Administrator has distributed the settlement funds.

Contested Litigation

None of the cases have been decided on their merits. However, several of the actions have proceeded to certification. Certification is the motion where the court determines whether the action can properly be pursued as a class action. The court will consider factors such as whether the claims of the class members raise common legal and/or factual issues and whether a class action is the preferable method of pursuing the claims (as opposed to other methods, such as individual actions).

Of the ongoing actions, in Ontario, the Braking Systems action was certified on behalf of a national class.

Notice of Certification in the Braking Systems Action

By order dated July 19, 2022, the Braking Systems action was certified against the non-settled Defendants, Continental AG, Continental Automotive GmbH, Continental Automotive Systems, Inc., and Continental Tire Canada, Inc. (formerly known as Continental Automotive Canada, Inc.).

For further information, please review the Notice of Certification here (see Part M)

A copy of the certification order can be found here.

Notice of Discontinuance in the Bearings Class Action - Industrial Bearings

The Bearings Statement of Claim currently asserts claims on behalf of persons in Canada who purchased bearings and/or who purchased and/or leased products containing bearings (including automotive vehicles, light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles, buses, commercial vehicles, industrial machinery, construction equipment, mining equipment and/or railway vehicles).

The Ontario Court approved amendments to the Bearings Statement of Claim to discontinue the industrial bearings portion of the class action. As a result, the class action will only advance claims relating to bearings installed in new Automotive Vehicles. These claims are advanced on behalf of persons in Canada who purchased bearings for installation in new Automotive Vehicles and/or who purchased or leased new Automotive Vehicles.

If you purchased industrial bearings and/or purchased and/or leased industrial machinery containing bearings you may have the option of commencing your own action. The limitation period for bringing a claim, if there is any time left within it, recommenced on October 5, 2020, subject to any tolling of limitation periods as a result of COVID-19. On the expiry of the limitation period, your right to sue may be extinguished. Limitation periods vary across Canada. As a result, you should seek legal advice from local counsel.

If you wish to pursue a court claim regarding industrial bearings or industrial machinery containing bearings, you should issue a Notice of Action or Statement of Claim (or equivalent document in your province), if you have not already done so, before the applicable limitation period expires. You may wish to consult your own lawyer about this.

Discontinuances

The Plaintiffs have discontinued, on a without costs and without prejudice basis, various actions against certain defendants. Details of the discontinuances can be found here.

FAQs

What is a class action?

A class action is a lawsuit that is brought by one or more persons on behalf of a larger group of people whose claims share common legal and/or factual issues. Class actions provide a cost-effective way for groups of people with common interests to pursue a legal claim.

Do I have to pay anything to participate in the class action?

Class action lawyers are usually paid on a contingency basis. This means that class counsel are only paid if successful. Class counsel are paid a percentage of any settlement or court award. Class counsel fees are subject to court approval.

Who is affected by the auto parts class actions?

You are affected by an auto parts class action if you are a person in Canada who, during the relevant class period:

  • purchased or leased a new or used Automotive Vehicle in Canada;
  • purchased a new or used Automotive Vehicle for import into Canada; or
  • purchased an automotive part in Canada for installation in a new Automotive Vehicle.

A description of the automotive parts and the relevant class periods can be found here.

In many of the cases, the courts have approved a protocol for the distribution of the settlement funds, including which settlement class members are/were entitled to share in the distribution (see Developments, Distribution).

The courts will be asked to approve a protocol for the distribution of the settlement funds in the remaining class actions. The courts will be asked to determine which settlement class members are entitled to share in the distribution. (see Developments, Distribution Pending Court Approval)

Can I join the class action?

There are no steps required to “join” the class action. Unless you opt-out (exclude yourself) from the class action), assuming you fall within the scope of the class definition, you are automatically included in the class action.

However, if you wish to participate in the pending distribution, you must file a claim. The online claim filing portal will be closed shortly after March 8, 2024 for any class members with a claim ID and PIN. To submit a claim, visit www.autopartsettlement.ca.

Can I exclude myself from the class action?

The period to opt-out of (exclude yourself from) the auto parts class actions has expired.

What should I do to protect my rights?

To protect your rights, you should:

  1. Check if you are eligible to participate in the pending distribution. See www.autopartsettlement.ca/faq.aspx Q. 9 for information about eligibility.
  2. If you are eligible to file a claim, the online claim filing portal will be closed shortly after March 8, 2024 for any class members with a claim ID and PIN. To submit a claim, visit www.autopartsettlement.ca.
  3. Keep records of any purchases or leases of new vehicles from 1995 onwards. This period covers the entire duration of all auto parts price-fixing cases. You might be affected by multiple auto parts price-fixing cases;
  4. Keep records of any purchases of an automotive part for installation in new vehicles during the class period. A description of the automotive parts and the relevant class periods can be found here;
  5. Register to receive updates on this case by filling out the form below.

I still have a question. Who should I contact?

If you have any other questions, please complete the contact form below.

Documents

DISTRIBUTION

Claims Process Commenced

Second Omnibus Distribution (Alternators, Automatic Transmission Fluid Warmers and Oil Coolers, Automotive Brake Hoses, Automotive Hoses, Body Sealing Parts, Ceramic Substrates, Electric Powered Steering (“EPS”) Assemblies, Electronic Throttle Bodies, Fuel Injection Systems, Heater Control Panels, High Intensity Discharge (“HID”) Ballasts, Inverters, Manual Steering Columns, Motor Generators, Occupant Safety Systems, Oxygen Sensors, Plastic Interior Trim, Radiators, Spark Plugs, Starters, Steering Angle Sensors, Switches, and Windshield Wiper Systems)

Alternators, Automatic Transmission Fluid Warmers and Oil Coolers, Automotive Brake Hoses, Automotive Hoses, Fuel Injection Systems, Heater Control Panels, Inverters, Motor Generators, Occupant Safety Systems, Oxygen Sensors, Radiators, Spark Plugs, Starters, Steering Angle Sensors, Switches, and Windshield Wiper Systems

Electronic Throttle Bodies

Body Sealing Parts, Ceramic Substrates, and Plastic Interior Trim

Automotive Bearings, Electric Powered Steering (“EPS”) Assemblies, High Intensity Discharge (“HID”) Ballasts, and Manual Steering Columns.

* Notwithstanding that this Distribution Protocol refers to Automotive Bearings, the funds for this action are not being distributed at this time. Please check the settlement website www.autopartsettlement.ca for updates about the Automotive Bearings distribution.

Pending Court Approval

Add-on to Second Omnibus Distribution (Automotive Access Mechanisms, Automotive Steel Tubes, Power Window Switches, and Valve Timing Control Devices)

Third Omnibus Distribution (Air Conditioning Systems, Anti-Vibration Rubber (“AVR”) Parts, Autolights, Automotive Exhaust Systems, Braking Systems, Door Latches & Closure Systems, Ignition Coils, Instrument Panel Clusters (“IPC”), and Shock Absorbers)

Claims Administration Process Concluded

First Omnibus Distribution (Automotive Wire Harness Systems, Air Flow Meters, Electronic Control Units, Fan Motors, Fuel Senders, Power Window Motors, Windshield Washer Systems, and Constant Velocity-Joint-Boot Products)

Automotive Wire Harness Systems

Air Flow Meters, Electronic Control Units, Fan Motors, Fuel Senders, Power Window Motors, and Windshield Washer Systems

Constant Velocity-Joint-Boot Products

SETTLEMENTS

For information regarding Automotive Access Mechanisms, Door Latches & Closure Systems, and Valve Timing Control Devices, please visit Class Counsel’s website at: https://www.sotosclassactions.com/auto-parts/.

Below is information relating to:

  • Proposed settlements and the court approval hearing dates;
  • Information about the distribution of the settlement funds, including:
    • the current ongoing distribution in 23 actions. The online claim filing portal will be closed shortly after March 8, 2024 for any class members with a claim ID and PIN;
    • the status of the distribution in the Bearings action;
    • the proposed distribution in 13 actions and the court approval hearing dates; and
    • the concluded distributions in eight actions; and
  • Information relating to the contested litigation in the Braking Systems and Door Latches & Closure Systems actions.

Settlements

To date, settlements have been entered into totalling approximately $180 million. Details of the settlements can be found here.

The SKF settlement has been approved in Ontario. Approval remains outstanding in Quebec. The Quebec Court initially approved the Settlement Agreement as being fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of Settlement Class Members. However, the Fonds d'aide aux actions collectives sought and was granted leave to appeal the approval order on the basis that the Settlement Agreement had not been translated into French. The parties agreed to resolve the appeal, translate the settlement, and publish a second notice of proposed settlement in Quebec.

If there are any objections to the proposed settlement, another Settlement Approval Hearing will take place in Quebec on March 8, 2024 at 2pm, by videoconference. If there are no objections, the Quebec Court will be asked to issue an order approving the Settlement Agreement without a further hearing.

A copy of the Notice of Hearing can be found here. [English] [French]

All other settlements were previously approved by the Ontario, British Columbia and/or Quebec Courts, as applicable.

Distribution

The claims process has commenced in 23 actions (see heading “Claims Administration Process Commenced”). Approval of Proposed Distribution Protocols is pending in 13 actions (see heading “Pending Court Approval”). Settlement funds have been distributed in eight actions (see heading “Claims Administration Process Concluded”). The settlement funds for the Bearings action are not being distributed at this time pending approval of the SKF agreement in Quebec. (see above for further information).

Claims Administration Process Commenced - Second Omnibus Distribution Protocol
(Alternators, Automatic Transmission Fluid Warmers and Oil Coolers, Automotive Brake Hoses, Automotive Hoses, Body Sealing Parts, Ceramic Substrates, Electric Powered Steering (“EPS”) Assemblies, Electronic Throttle Bodies, Fuel Injection Systems, Heater Control Panels, High Intensity Discharge (“HID”) Ballasts, Inverters, Manual Steering Columns, Motor Generators, Occupant Safety Systems, Oxygen Sensors, Plastic Interior Trim, Radiators, Spark Plugs, Starters, Steering Angle Sensors, Switches, and Windshield Wiper Systems)

Settlements have been reached with all defendants in the above-noted actions.

The claims process is now open. The online claim filing portal will be closed shortly after March 8, 2024 for any class members with a claim ID and PIN.

To submit a claim, visit www.autopartsettlement.ca. If you have any questions please email [email protected] or call the claims administrator toll-free at 1.866.474.4331.

To be eligible for settlement benefits in any particular action, you must have purchased and/or leased a new passenger car, sport utility vehicle, van, and/or light truck (up to 10,000 lbs) from the applicable Automaker(s) (listed in the chart below) during the relevant period.

Automaker Relevant Period
Aston Martin Jan 1, 2000 to Jun 30, 2014
BMW/Mini Cooper Jan 1, 2000 to Dec 4, 2014
Chrysler/Dodge/Fiat/Jeep/Ram Jan 1, 2000 to Jul 31, 2015
Ford/ Lincoln/ Mercury Jul 1, 1999 to Jul 31, 2015
General Motors (Buick/Cadillac/Chevrolet/Daewoo/GMC/ Hummer/Isuzu/ Oldsmobile/Pontiac/ Saab/Saturn) Jul 1, 1999 to Jul 31, 2015
Honda/ Acura Jul 1, 1998 to Sept 30, 2016
Jaguar/Land Rover Jan 1, 2000 to Jun 30, 2014
Mazda Jul 1, 1998 to Dec 4, 2014
Nissan/Infiniti Jul 1, 1998 to Sept 30, 2016
Subaru Jul 1, 1998 to Sept 30, 2016
Toyota/Lexus Jul 1, 1998 to Sept 30, 2016
Volkswagen/Audi/Porsche Jan 1, 2000 to Dec 4, 2014
Volvo Jan 1, 2000 to Jun 30, 2014

 

For more information about the claims process, please review the Notice of Claims Process [English] [French]

Alternators, Automatic Transmission Fluid Warmers and Oil Coolers, Automotive Brake Hoses, Automotive Hoses, Fuel Injection Systems, Heater Control Panels, Inverters, Motor Generators, Occupant Safety Systems, Oxygen Sensors, Radiators, Spark Plugs, Starters, Steering Angle Sensors, Switches, and Windshield Wiper Systems

Electronic Throttle Bodies

Body Sealing Parts, Ceramic Substrates, and Plastic Interior Trim

Automotive Bearings*, Electric Powered Steering (“EPS”) Assemblies, High Intensity Discharge (“HID”) Ballasts, and Manual Steering Columns.

*Notwithstanding that this Distribution Protocol refers to Automotive Bearings, the funds for this action are not being distributed at this time. Please check the settlement website www.autopartsettlement.ca for updates about the Automotive Bearings distribution.

Pending Court Approval: Add-on to the Second Omnibus Distribution Protocol
(Automotive Access Mechanisms, Automotive Steel Tubes, Power Window Switches, and Valve Timing Control Devices)

Settlements have been reached with all defendants in the above-noted actions. The proposed protocol for distributing the settlement funds is subject to Court approval in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.

The proposed Distribution Protocol has been approved in Ontario and/or Quebec, as applicable. A motion will be brought before the British Columbia Court in writing to approve the distribution protocol as it relates to the Automotive Steel Tubes and Power Window Switches actions.

For more information about the proposed distribution, please review the Notice of Hearing. [English] [French]

A copy of the proposed Distribution Protocol can be found here. [English] [French]

Pending Court Approval: Third Omnibus Distribution Protocol
(Air Conditioning Systems, Anti-Vibration Rubber (“AVR”) Parts, Autolights, Automotive Exhaust Systems, Braking Systems, Door Latches & Closure Systems, Ignition Coils, Instrument Panel Clusters (“IPC”), and Shock Absorbers)

Settlements have been reached with all defendants in the above-noted actions, with the exception of one defendant group in each of the Braking Systems and Door Latches & Closure Systems actions. Funds will not be distributed in the Braking Systems and Door Latches & Closure Systems actions at this time. Settlement Class Members must file a claim in the Third Omnibus Distribution to be eligible for future compensation in these cases. After the Braking Systems and Door Latches & Closure Systems resolve in full, a further Court Order will be sought approving a proposed distribution of these settlement funds.

The proposed Distribution Protocol has been approved in Ontario and/or Quebec, as applicable. A motion will be brought before the British Columbia Court in writing to approve the distribution protocol as it relates to the Air Conditioning Systems, AVR, Autolights, Automotive Exhaust Systems, Braking Systems, Ignition Coils and IPC actions.

For more information about the proposed distribution, please review the Notice of Hearing. [English] [French]

A copy of the proposed Distribution Protocol can be found here. [English] [French]

Claims Administration Process Concluded - First Omnibus Distribution
(Automotive Wire Harness Systems, Air Flow Meters, Constant Velocity-Joint Boot Products, Electronic Control Units, Fan Motors, Fuel Senders, Power Window Motors, and Windshield Washer Systems)

Settlements have been reached with all defendants in the above-noted actions.

The deadline to apply for compensation has passed and the Claims Administrator has distributed the settlement funds.

Contested Litigation

None of the cases have been decided on their merits. However, several of the actions have proceeded to certification. Certification is the motion where the court determines whether the action can properly be pursued as a class action. The court will consider factors such as whether the claims of the class members raise common legal and/or factual issues and whether a class action is the preferable method of pursuing the claims (as opposed to other methods, such as individual actions).

Of the ongoing actions, in Ontario, the Braking Systems action was certified on behalf of a national class.

Notice of Certification in the Braking Systems Action

By order dated July 19, 2022, the Braking Systems action was certified against the non-settled Defendants, Continental AG, Continental Automotive GmbH, Continental Automotive Systems, Inc., and Continental Tire Canada, Inc. (formerly known as Continental Automotive Canada, Inc.).

For further information, please review the Notice of Certification here (see Part M)

A copy of the certification order can be found here.

Notice of Discontinuance in the Bearings Class Action - Industrial Bearings

The Bearings Statement of Claim currently asserts claims on behalf of persons in Canada who purchased bearings and/or who purchased and/or leased products containing bearings (including automotive vehicles, light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles, buses, commercial vehicles, industrial machinery, construction equipment, mining equipment and/or railway vehicles).

The Ontario Court approved amendments to the Bearings Statement of Claim to discontinue the industrial bearings portion of the class action. As a result, the class action will only advance claims relating to bearings installed in new Automotive Vehicles. These claims are advanced on behalf of persons in Canada who purchased bearings for installation in new Automotive Vehicles and/or who purchased or leased new Automotive Vehicles.

If you purchased industrial bearings and/or purchased and/or leased industrial machinery containing bearings you may have the option of commencing your own action. The limitation period for bringing a claim, if there is any time left within it, recommenced on October 5, 2020, subject to any tolling of limitation periods as a result of COVID-19. On the expiry of the limitation period, your right to sue may be extinguished. Limitation periods vary across Canada. As a result, you should seek legal advice from local counsel.

If you wish to pursue a court claim regarding industrial bearings or industrial machinery containing bearings, you should issue a Notice of Action or Statement of Claim (or equivalent document in your province), if you have not already done so, before the applicable limitation period expires. You may wish to consult your own lawyer about this.

Discontinuances

The Plaintiffs have discontinued, on a without costs and without prejudice basis, various actions against certain defendants. Details of the discontinuances can be found here.

What is a class action?

A class action is a lawsuit that is brought by one or more persons on behalf of a larger group of people whose claims share common legal and/or factual issues. Class actions provide a cost-effective way for groups of people with common interests to pursue a legal claim.

Do I have to pay anything to participate in the class action?

Class action lawyers are usually paid on a contingency basis. This means that class counsel are only paid if successful. Class counsel are paid a percentage of any settlement or court award. Class counsel fees are subject to court approval.

Who is affected by the auto parts class actions?

You are affected by an auto parts class action if you are a person in Canada who, during the relevant class period:

  • purchased or leased a new or used Automotive Vehicle in Canada;
  • purchased a new or used Automotive Vehicle for import into Canada; or
  • purchased an automotive part in Canada for installation in a new Automotive Vehicle.

A description of the automotive parts and the relevant class periods can be found here.

In many of the cases, the courts have approved a protocol for the distribution of the settlement funds, including which settlement class members are/were entitled to share in the distribution (see Developments, Distribution).

The courts will be asked to approve a protocol for the distribution of the settlement funds in the remaining class actions. The courts will be asked to determine which settlement class members are entitled to share in the distribution. (see Developments, Distribution Pending Court Approval)

Can I join the class action?

There are no steps required to “join” the class action. Unless you opt-out (exclude yourself) from the class action), assuming you fall within the scope of the class definition, you are automatically included in the class action.

However, if you wish to participate in the pending distribution, you must file a claim. The online claim filing portal will be closed shortly after March 8, 2024 for any class members with a claim ID and PIN. To submit a claim, visit www.autopartsettlement.ca.

Can I exclude myself from the class action?

The period to opt-out of (exclude yourself from) the auto parts class actions has expired.

What should I do to protect my rights?

To protect your rights, you should:

  1. Check if you are eligible to participate in the pending distribution. See www.autopartsettlement.ca/faq.aspx Q. 9 for information about eligibility.
  2. If you are eligible to file a claim, the online claim filing portal will be closed shortly after March 8, 2024 for any class members with a claim ID and PIN. To submit a claim, visit www.autopartsettlement.ca.
  3. Keep records of any purchases or leases of new vehicles from 1995 onwards. This period covers the entire duration of all auto parts price-fixing cases. You might be affected by multiple auto parts price-fixing cases;
  4. Keep records of any purchases of an automotive part for installation in new vehicles during the class period. A description of the automotive parts and the relevant class periods can be found here;
  5. Register to receive updates on this case by filling out the form below.

I still have a question. Who should I contact?

If you have any other questions, please complete the contact form below.

DISTRIBUTION

Claims Process Commenced

Second Omnibus Distribution (Alternators, Automatic Transmission Fluid Warmers and Oil Coolers, Automotive Brake Hoses, Automotive Hoses, Body Sealing Parts, Ceramic Substrates, Electric Powered Steering (“EPS”) Assemblies, Electronic Throttle Bodies, Fuel Injection Systems, Heater Control Panels, High Intensity Discharge (“HID”) Ballasts, Inverters, Manual Steering Columns, Motor Generators, Occupant Safety Systems, Oxygen Sensors, Plastic Interior Trim, Radiators, Spark Plugs, Starters, Steering Angle Sensors, Switches, and Windshield Wiper Systems)

Alternators, Automatic Transmission Fluid Warmers and Oil Coolers, Automotive Brake Hoses, Automotive Hoses, Fuel Injection Systems, Heater Control Panels, Inverters, Motor Generators, Occupant Safety Systems, Oxygen Sensors, Radiators, Spark Plugs, Starters, Steering Angle Sensors, Switches, and Windshield Wiper Systems

Electronic Throttle Bodies

Body Sealing Parts, Ceramic Substrates, and Plastic Interior Trim

Automotive Bearings, Electric Powered Steering (“EPS”) Assemblies, High Intensity Discharge (“HID”) Ballasts, and Manual Steering Columns.

* Notwithstanding that this Distribution Protocol refers to Automotive Bearings, the funds for this action are not being distributed at this time. Please check the settlement website www.autopartsettlement.ca for updates about the Automotive Bearings distribution.

Pending Court Approval

Add-on to Second Omnibus Distribution (Automotive Access Mechanisms, Automotive Steel Tubes, Power Window Switches, and Valve Timing Control Devices)

Third Omnibus Distribution (Air Conditioning Systems, Anti-Vibration Rubber (“AVR”) Parts, Autolights, Automotive Exhaust Systems, Braking Systems, Door Latches & Closure Systems, Ignition Coils, Instrument Panel Clusters (“IPC”), and Shock Absorbers)

Claims Administration Process Concluded

First Omnibus Distribution (Automotive Wire Harness Systems, Air Flow Meters, Electronic Control Units, Fan Motors, Fuel Senders, Power Window Motors, Windshield Washer Systems, and Constant Velocity-Joint-Boot Products)

Automotive Wire Harness Systems

Air Flow Meters, Electronic Control Units, Fan Motors, Fuel Senders, Power Window Motors, and Windshield Washer Systems

Constant Velocity-Joint-Boot Products

SETTLEMENTS

For information regarding Automotive Access Mechanisms, Door Latches & Closure Systems, and Valve Timing Control Devices, please visit Class Counsel’s website at: https://www.sotosclassactions.com/auto-parts/.

Contact Us

Join to stay informed about the progress of this class action.

Your information will be maintained and used in accordance with our privacy notice. Completing this form does not create a lawyer-client relationship with Siskinds LLP or Siskinds Desmeules s.e.n.c.r.l. or any of their personnel, nor does it impose any obligations related to the class action or otherwise.

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