Excuse my skepticism, but it's not yet been proven as a fact. The spreadsheet from motorcars international is just that - a spreadsheet of parts from many models. Big deal.

There's a US law that requires manufacturers to remedy defects that affect motor vehicle safety for a period of 8 years from manufacture (later amended to 10 years. Here it is:

49 U.S.C. Section 30120 (g)(1)

Specificaly:

1) Subject to subsections (f) and (g) of
this section, when notification of a defect or noncompliance is
required under section 30118(b) or (c) of this title, the
manufacturer of the defective or noncomplying motor vehicle or
replacement equipment shall remedy the defect or noncompliance
without charge when the vehicle or equipment is presented for
remedy. Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the
manufacturer shall remedy the defect or noncompliance in any of the
following ways the manufacturer chooses:
(A) if a vehicle -
(i) by repairing the vehicle;
(ii) by replacing the vehicle with an identical or reasonably
equivalent vehicle; or
(iii) by refunding the purchase price, less a reasonable
allowance for depreciation.
(B) if replacement equipment, by repairing the equipment or
replacing the equipment with identical or reasonably equivalent
equipment.

And the time frame is given as:

(1) The requirement that a remedy be
provided without charge does not apply if the motor vehicle or
replacement equipment was bought by the first purchaser more than 8
calendar years, or the tire, including an original equipment tire,
was bought by the first purchaser more than 3 calendar years,
before notice is given under section 30118(c) of this title or an
order is issued under section 30118(b) of this title, whichever is
earlier.

This has been amended to 10 years, though I can't find the reference at present.

Note that these statues require that the manufacture provide "identical or reasonably equivalent equipment". I belive this is the law that is generally referenced which requires manufacters to keep a parts inventory for 10 years from the last date of manufacture, at least for those parts that may be required to ensure the safety of the vehicle. Note that Lamborghini last sold the Diablo 6.0 in 2001. Thus, I'm still skeptical that this is a true inventory sell-off. Sounds like Motorcars is just trying a novel marketing approach.

Joe Martz