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The Effect of Information on Market Activity; Evidence from Vehicle Recalls

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  • Inge van den Bijgaart
  • Davide Cerruti

Abstract

We evaluate the effect of vehicle recalls on vehicle transactions in the second-hand market. Using a rich dataset of Dutch vehicle registrations, we exploit the quasi-experimental variation in recalls across nearly-identical cars. We find strong heterogeneities across market segment: vehicles with a lower (higher) list price or some (zero) defects experience an increase (decrease) in transactions after a recall. Based on our theoretical model, this suggests that recalls increase sorting in low-end markets, yet exacerbate adverse selection in high-end markets. Our results shed light on the effect of information arrival in markets subject to uncertainty and information asymmetries.

Suggested Citation

  • Inge van den Bijgaart & Davide Cerruti, 2020. "The Effect of Information on Market Activity; Evidence from Vehicle Recalls," CESifo Working Paper Series 8636, CESifo.
  • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_8636
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    vehicles; recalls; adverse selection; sorting; information;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality
    • L62 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Automobiles; Other Transportation Equipment; Related Parts and Equipment

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