Can a pickup truck's vehicle license be changed to a multi-purpose vehicle?
2 Answers
Pickup truck's vehicle license cannot be changed to a multi-purpose vehicle. Pickup trucks are classified as trucks by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China. Regardless of whether the certificate states it's a truck or not, it is displayed as a truck in the vehicle management system. Therefore, a pickup truck's vehicle license cannot be changed to a multi-purpose vehicle. Here are some advantages of pickup trucks: 1. Towing capacity: The towing capacity of a pickup truck is directly proportional to its load capacity grade. 2. Loading capacity: Double-row pickup trucks have two large cargo spaces. The first space comes from the second row, obtained by folding the seats, with a volume exceeding most SUV trunks. The other space is the rear cargo bed, which has unlimited volume due to its open top. Large items that SUVs cannot handle are no problem for pickup trucks. 3. Off-road performance: Most pickup trucks, like hardcore off-road vehicles, adopt a non-load-bearing frame structure. 4. Zero consumption tax: Whether domestic or imported, passenger vehicles in China are subject to consumption tax (included in the price and paid by manufacturers).
To be honest, as someone who frequently studies vehicle classifications, I've always felt that pickup trucks and multi-purpose vehicles are completely different. Pickups are built on truck chassis, primarily for hauling goods, with suspensions as stiff as rocks; multi-purpose vehicles like SUVs or MPVs are designed for passenger comfort. The vehicle type marked on the registration certificate is determined at the factory. If you want to change a pickup's classification to a multi-purpose vehicle, it's basically impossible to directly modify the certificate. You'd first need to find a professional workshop to modify the chassis, add seats and safety features, then apply for reinspection and re-registration at the DMV. This process is both troublesome and expensive, and might not even pass. My advice: if you really want to switch, it's better to just buy a new vehicle—less hassle and effort, don't waste time going down this complicated path.
