The Difference Between Imported Cars and Parallel Imports

1 Answers
DeNadia
07/30/25 5:41am
Imported cars are vehicles introduced by the brand's authorized general agent, usually sold in 4S stores, and must comply with various Chinese standards; whereas parallel imported cars are vehicles brought into China by importers other than the original manufacturer's general agent, typically sold in port auto cities or comprehensive auto trade stores across various regions. The differences between imported cars and parallel imports can be summarized in the following 3 points: Price Difference: Parallel imported cars bypass sales channels such as general distributors, regional distributors, and 4S stores, and their pricing is not restricted by these channels, allowing for free pricing. Therefore, their prices are generally lower than those sold through official 4S store channels. Basic Configuration Difference: Imported cars are often constrained by various conditions, usually offering more limited configurations and fewer choices. In contrast, parallel imported cars are directly imported from regions like the United States or the Middle East, featuring different models and configurations compared to imported cars, with more freedom in selection. After-Sales Service Difference: Parallel imported cars do not benefit from the manufacturer's warranty policies in terms of after-sales service, whereas imported cars come with robust after-sales guarantees.
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