Harley-Davidson and Indian Price Fixing

Price fixing was a feature of the relationship between Harley-Davidson and Indian between the World Wars. It seems astonishing now that these two firms, which were such bitter rivals and which indulged in cut-throat competitive techniques, should also meet once a year to agree on common prices. The first meeting was in 1922 between Arthur Davidson and Indian's general manager, Frank Weschler. In the words of author Harry Sucher, these long-term rivals shared 'crepes Suzette and lobster thermidor in an atmosphere of somewhat strained conviviality'. It was agreed that henceforth, similar competing models from Harley-Davidson and Indian, the Harley-Davidson Big Twin and Indian Chief would both cost $320, the Harley-Davidson 45 and Indian Scout $295, and so on. At one point, Indian president Paul du Pont, turned up unannounced, and warned of the consequences if the contents of these secret meetings ever leaked out. Price fixing was of course illegal.