What does parallel imported vehicle mean?
2 Answers
Parallel imported vehicles refer to cars imported directly from their country of origin, meaning vehicles imported directly from the car's original production location by importers other than the general distributor. Parallel imported cars are also legal products that enter the domestic market after passing 3C certification. Formal parallel import vehicle dealers must provide consumers with the following documents: 1. Certificate of Imported Goods (Customs Declaration); 2. Inspection Sheet (Commodity Inspection); 3. Vehicle Conformity Certificate; 4. Vehicle Purchase Invoice; 5. Electronic Information of Imported Vehicles. Compared to joint-venture cars and domestically produced vehicles, parallel imported vehicles have relatively smaller batch sizes, and their after-sales service and warranty are not guaranteed in the long term.
Parallel imported vehicles are cars purchased directly from foreign markets, bypassing official dealer channels. For example, someone imports a car from the U.S. or Japan to China and sells it to you directly, skipping the 4S dealership. The advantage is a significantly lower price, especially for premium brands like Mercedes-Benz or BMW, where you might save tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands. I saw a friend buy a parallel-imported Land Rover—it seemed like a great deal at first, but the downsides were clear: no factory warranty, a costly out-of-pocket repair for a transmission failure, and parts that had to be ordered from abroad, delaying repairs by two weeks. There are also customs procedures and 3C certification to handle upon import, which can cost an extra few thousand to tens of thousands. I think it suits budget-conscious buyers with basic car knowledge who are willing to take risks to save money, but I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners or those seeking convenience. These vehicles are becoming more common in the market, increasing competition and pushing official dealers to lower prices. Still, it’s crucial to assess the total cost and risks before buying.
