Caterpillar, Dealers Face Off Over Imported Machines
Caterpillar Inc. is asking an administrative court in Washington, D.C., to grant it the exclusive right to bring into the U.S. used, foreign-made excavators bearing the Cat label. Facing off against the Peoria, Ill.-based giant are five equipment dealers who say Cat has no business meddling in the business of pre-owned machinery.
As a fast-paced lawsuit before the International Trade Commission gears up for trial, the defendants in a case originally lodged against 21 dealers are speaking out against what they call "sham" legal maneuvers by Cat to control the pre-owned market. A decision could be issued as early as December.