
Diamond Standard Parts
Exposing Industry Abuse and Elevating A Brand Through Policy-Focused Thought Leadership
-
The Challenge
Diamond Standard Parts (DSP), a leading manufacturer in the aftermarket automotive sector, wanted to take a bold stance on one of the most urgent issues facing the industry: car companies’ anti-competitive part practices that are driving up costs for consumers and endangering the viability of independent repair part manufacturers.
DSP needed a flagship thought leadership piece—one that would educate lawmakers, galvanize industry stakeholders, and position Diamond Standard as a leader willing to challenge entrenched systems in defense of consumers and fair competition.
-
Our Approach
Depth Services worked with DSP to conceptualize, research, and produce a high-impact report titled Gaming the System: Backdoor Monopolies. Designed to be part exposé, part policy brief, the piece unpacked how car companies systematically limit access to parts, tools, and data, driving up costs and harming small businesses and drivers alike.
We rooted the report in existing regulatory debates and built a case that was both fact-based and emotionally resonant. It was written to resonate with legislators, industry partners, and the broader public, striking a balance between accessibility and authority. The final product served as a launchpad for DSP’s long-term position as a public-facing thought leader in the right-to-repair movement.
The Results
The report earned coverage in major industry and consumer press and quickly became a core advocacy tool. It led to:
A speaking invitation at the Auto Body Parts Association, where DSP leadership shared findings with peers and stakeholders
A formal invitation to present before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee on the issue—an extraordinary opportunity to directly influence federal policy conversations
Renewed media interest in DSP’s public stance and increased visibility in the broader aftermarket repair debate
A stronger position within the industry as a company willing to lead on the issues affecting both consumers and independent businesses