Uproar Over Pricing by Some Domestic Car Dealers Is Unfair

I’m curious about this sudden paranoidal explosion over supposed “overcharging” on the part of domestic car dealers during the subsidized 2.9% interest rates initiated by the factories.

For half a decade, buyers have been meekly shelling out $500 to $3,000 over the window sticker to dealers of Japanese cars. Now, suddenly, when a temporary shortage of desirable domestic models develops--models that carry an effective cost/interest reduction of about $2,000--an uproar is generated because some dealers are accused of charging close to, or “not sufficiently” below, that window sticker.

I am convinced that even this purported “overcharging” is not general throughout the domestic retailing automobile industry--certainly not at my dealership. But there is a moral principle involved here.

Why is it that we hear not a peep out of anyone over the Japanese vehicle rip-offs but that we domestic automobile people are pounced upon with vitriolic ferocity and subjected to commercial crucifixion at the slightest hint of improved revenue realized by a few individuals?

ROBERT CURLENDER

Pasadena