What does parallel imported cars mean?
4 Answers
Parallel imported cars refer to vehicles that are purchased by traders from overseas markets and introduced into the Chinese market for sale without the authorization of the brand manufacturer. Due to different import origins, they can be categorized into U.S. specification cars, Middle East version cars, etc., distinguishing them from traditional China specification cars sold through conventional channels. Parallel imported cars are also legal products that enter the domestic market after passing 3C certification, but they are imported in smaller batches and do not come with manufacturer warranty services. Documents required for purchasing parallel imported cars: 1. Certificate of Imported Goods; 2. Vehicle Inspection Sheet; 3. Vehicle Conformity Certificate; 4. Vehicle Purchase Invoice; 5. Imported Vehicle Electronic Information. These documents are mainly used for the owner to pay the vehicle purchase tax and facilitate future license plate registration procedures.
Parallel imported vehicles refer to bypassing the official brand channels and directly purchasing cars from overseas markets to be shipped back and sold domestically. For example, some models may have long waiting times or different configurations in the local market, so we can turn to trading companies to buy the same model from abroad. This method usually offers more affordable prices and access to versions not available domestically, such as U.S. or Middle East specifications. However, it's important to note that overseas versions may not be compatible with local fuel or road conditions, so buyers should confirm whether the emission standards meet environmental requirements before purchasing. I have a friend who bought a parallel imported car and saved over 100,000 RMB, but maintenance requires finding a reliable repair shop on their own.
Parallel imports are like buying cars through a purchasing agent. Traders purchase new cars from authorized 4S stores abroad, then ship them to China, complete customs procedures, pay taxes, and sell them. The biggest advantage is breaking regional monopolies. For some popular models with markups, parallel import versions are often about 20% cheaper. However, you need to pay attention to after-sales service, as manufacturer warranties may not be valid, and common faults require contacting third-party repair shops. Additionally, there can be significant differences in configurations. For example, Middle Eastern versions may lack seat heating, which is impractical in northern regions.
In simple terms, it refers to overseas models imported through unofficial channels. Due to differences in pricing strategies between domestic and foreign markets, parallel importers capitalize on this price gap to make profits. For example, the Mercedes-Benz GLS sells for 600,000 RMB in North America, while its domestic suggested retail price exceeds 1 million RMB, making parallel imports over 300,000 RMB cheaper. However, with the stringent China VI emission standards now in place, many overseas models cannot enter the market. I've seen cases where clients bought cheaper European-spec cars only to find their catalytic converters non-compliant, resulting in a six-month delay during the registration process.
