What is the difference between gray market cars and officially imported cars?
1 Answers
There are several differences between gray market cars and officially imported cars: 1. Import channels: Gray market cars are imported vehicles smuggled through unofficial channels, while officially imported cars are brought in through legitimate import channels. 2. Road legality comparison: Since gray market cars are imported through unofficial channels without customs inspection, they cannot be registered. If caught by traffic police, these vehicles will be impounded. Officially imported cars come through legal channels, can be properly registered, driven legally on roads, and transferred to new owners at any time. 3. Price differences: Both gray market and officially imported cars refer specifically to imported vehicles - domestic or joint-venture brand cars don't have this distinction as they're manufactured locally. Purchasing domestic or joint-venture brand cars is more convenient for Chinese consumers with relatively affordable prices. Many foreign brands have joint-venture factories in China, such as BMW Brilliance, FAW-Volkswagen Audi, Beijing Benz, FAW Toyota, Guangzhou Honda, and Dongfeng Honda. The advantages of buying joint-venture brand cars include lower prices and more affordable maintenance costs. Imported car parts are all imported, making later maintenance and repairs more expensive.
