fadedowl40 said:day
I have one question, even if it isn't strictly related, but maybe someone here knows
Is it possible to import vehicles from China or other parts of Asia when there is already an authorized general importer established here in the US?
thanks
Well, since I actually work with Chinese automobiles, I can offer you some insight! First off, if you want to bring a vehicle into the US, the very first hurdle you have to clear is federal safety and emissions certification. Right now, there are several manufacturers in China that actually have the necessary certifications, but they simply aren't interested in pushing their vehicles into the American market. Why bother with all that headache? They find much higher profit margins in markets across Africa, South America, or Russia without having to sink massive amounts of capital into retooling their entire production lines just to meet our specific regulatory standards. So, certification is step one. Furthermore, securing dealership rights will be incredibly difficult if there is already an official representative for that brand in your country—your chances are slim. Usually, if you try to negotiate a dealership agreement, they’ll expect a significant sum upfront as a deposit—essentially a "good faith" guarantee to ensure neither party screws the other over.
Then there is the second matter: importing scooters, motorcycles, or ATVs. It is quite easy to fall into the trap where you go through a trading house and end up buying the exact same product directly from the manufacturer would have sold you, but that's where the trouble starts—specifically regarding sales licenses and compliance certifications. Many scooters and quads are already certified and can be imported individually. Personally, I strongly advise against working through trading houses or middlemen in this scenario. Instead, hop on a plane, fly straight to China, visit various companies in person, and hopefully, you'll find exactly what you need. And remember, it isn't just about the vehicle itself; you need to pay five times more attention to sourcing spare parts and establishing warranty terms than you do to hunting for the absolute lowest price. Sometimes, it is much better to pay a premium to ensure superior quality rather than constantly chasing the bottom dollar.
When importing this kind of merchandise, you truly have to see and feel it for yourself. You absolutely cannot follow the traditional "catalog" approach—you know, the "here is a container of goods for $5,000, let's talk about the rest" method. That almost never ends well. My advice? Go straight to China, negotiate everything face-to-face, and deal directly with the manufacturer.
