The Difference Between Imported Cars and Parallel Imports
3 Answers
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.
I recently researched this issue and found the main differences lie in the source and after-sales service. Officially imported vehicles are introduced to China by manufacturers themselves, such as BMW shipping directly from German factories to Chinese 4S stores. Parallel imports involve domestic dealers sourcing vehicles abroad themselves, like purchasing a Land Rover from the US and shipping it back for sale. Price-wise, parallel imports can be about 10% cheaper, especially with more noticeable price gaps for luxury cars. However, after-sales service is the weak point—official imports enjoy nationwide manufacturer warranty coverage, while parallel imports require purchasing separate insurance or finding third-party warranty providers. The registration process also differs, as parallel imports require 3C certification modifications, sometimes even needing to change turn signals to meet domestic standards. So when buying a car, you need to think carefully: choose official imports for peace of mind, or find a reliable parallel importer to save money—just remember to check the customs declaration and compare it with China-spec configuration sheets during inspection.
After years of car enthusiasm, I believe the key factors are specifications and origin. Officially imported vehicles are manufactured to domestic standards, like the long-wheelbase Mercedes S-Class which isn't available in European versions. Parallel imports can access overseas exclusive editions, such as the Canadian-spec QX80 with snow mode. However, risks exist - US-spec vehicles with mph speedometers require illegal modifications in China. Emission standards also differ, with Euro 6 diesel vehicles facing registration issues in some Chinese cities. Parallel importers typically source from North America and the Middle East, but Middle East-spec Patrol's sand filters tend to clog during rainy seasons here. My advice is to request compliance modification documents from dealers when purchasing parallel imports, ensuring lights and airbag sensors meet regulations. Actually, with relaxed parallel import policies now, there are many reliable dealers in Shanghai Free Trade Zone.
