Arizona Cities Challenge Fire Truck Manufacturers in Price Gouging Lawsuit
Amidst growing concerns over escalating costs and prolonged delivery times, several cities in Arizona have taken legal action against leading fire truck manufacturers. The accusations center on alleged price gouging and production delays that have placed a significant burden on municipal fire departments.
In the United States, the fire apparatus industry is dominated by three major companies: Rev Group, Oshkosh, and Rosenbauer, which together control 70% of the market, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters. This concentration of power is at the heart of the Fire Apparatus Antitrust Litigation, a lawsuit that now includes Tempe, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tucson, and 85 other plaintiffs. The litigation accuses American Industrial Partners, a private equity firm, of manipulating the market through strategic consolidation.
Recently, the Mesa City Council voted to join this legal battle, highlighting a growing consensus among Arizona cities. Tempe Interim Fire Chief Kyle Carman expressed his department’s frustration with delivery delays ranging from three to four years, coupled with prices that have doubled from $500,000 to $1 million. “The cost to keep it versus just getting rid of it and purchasing a new truck, there’s a breakover point there,” Carman noted, emphasizing the financial strain on the department as they are forced to extend the lifespan of their current fleet.
The situation has compelled Tempe Fire Department to evaluate the wear and tear on their vehicles more closely. Carman explained, “A lot of things can change in that amount of time. We’re also having to look at the miles and hours to be able to predict where they are going to be in the next four years.”
Oshkosh, one of the key players in the fire apparatus industry, reported a backlog of $14 billion in the first half of 2026. During a Senate hearing, REV Fire Group President Mike Virnig attributed the rising costs to several factors, including inflation, supply chain disruptions, the retirement of senior employees, and growing demand.
The collective aim of the cities involved in the lawsuit is to secure monetary compensation and reimbursement of legal fees, as they strive to alleviate the financial burden caused by these industry challenges.
—
Read More Arizona News
