What does U.S.-spec car mean?
3 Answers
U.S.-spec car means "U.S. specification car". Here is some information about U.S.-spec cars: 1. Similar terms include: China-spec car, Japan-spec car, etc.; such naming also applies to continents, such as: Asia-spec car, Europe-spec car, etc. 2. These terms exist because many large multinational automakers make adaptive modifications to their vehicles when exporting to different countries to suit local road conditions and fuel quality. The different modifications for different countries are referred to as "different"-spec cars.
Recently, while looking into parallel import cars, I pondered about U.S.-spec vehicles. Simply put, these are models exclusively designed for the American market. The China-spec cars sold at domestic 4S stores are all customized for China, whereas U.S.-spec vehicles must comply with American emission and safety regulations. The most frustrating part is the all-mile-based dashboard—it’s quite startling when the unit suddenly switches while driving in the rain. Last time, I helped a friend pick up a U.S.-spec Mustang and found that the daytime running lights and rear fog light positions didn’t meet Chinese regulations. It took a week of modifications at a tuning shop to pass the vehicle inspection. However, U.S.-spec cars do offer higher configuration flexibility, and you can even find models not introduced in China, like pickup trucks with towing packages. But the warranty is a real hassle—4S stores don’t even recognize the VIN codes of U.S.-spec cars.
When dealing with used cars, I've encountered many US-spec vehicles. Their most distinctive features include red turn signals (while China-spec requires amber yellow), special DOT certification markings on the windshield. The tire pressure monitoring system uses PSI instead of bar, fuel filler flaps have English-only warnings, and AC buttons are labeled in Fahrenheit. The most annoying part is the lack of auto-dimming rearview mirrors - getting blasted by high beams at night is particularly painful. Emission-wise, their catalytic converters have different structures, making registration in China-6 regions especially troublesome. Some dealers flash the ECU to change the language, only to corrupt the ABS program - it's wise to bring an OBD scanner to check for error codes during purchase.
