What are the national standards for inventory vehicles?
2 Answers
There are no relevant national regulations specifying how many months a vehicle must be unsold to be considered an inventory vehicle. Introduction to inventory vehicles: This is a term used in the automotive sales industry, referring to new vehicles that have remained unsold for an extended period after leaving the factory. Generally, domestic or joint-venture vehicles unsold for more than three months after production are considered inventory vehicles. Imported vehicles, due to the longer time required for transportation, customs clearance, and entry procedures, have a more lenient time limit, typically being classified as inventory vehicles only after being stored for over six months. Disadvantages of inventory vehicles: After leaving the factory, various fluids, electronic components, batteries, rubber seals, and tires in new vehicles may deteriorate due to prolonged storage without periodic inspection and maintenance, leading to issues like moisture damage and aging.
I'm a car enthusiast and always looking for cost-effective vehicles. The national standards for inventory cars are quite practical. Storage duration is crucial—generally, cars stored for over six months are classified as inventory, and dealers must perform regular maintenance, such as starting the engine weekly to prevent mechanical seizure. Inspection criteria include battery charge, tire pressure, and oil condition to avoid aging issues. National regulations like the Automobile Sales Management Measures emphasize transparency, requiring dealers to disclose storage duration and provide maintenance records. When purchasing, consumers can check the production nameplate; be cautious with cars older than nine months. Although discounts are tempting, safety comes first—test-driving to check the braking system and suspension is recommended. Overall, national regulations aim to reduce safety risks and promote industry self-discipline.
