Parallel imported cars refer to vehicles imported directly from their country of origin, bypassing the official distribution channels. These cars are imported by dealers other than the authorized general distributors, directly from the vehicle's original manufacturing country. Parallel import car dealers must provide consumers with the following documents: Certificate of Imported Goods, Vehicle Inspection Report, Vehicle Conformity Certificate, Vehicle Purchase Invoice, and Imported Vehicle Electronic Information. Advantages of parallel imported cars: Lower prices: Parallel imported cars avoid the multiple layers of distribution such as general distributors, regional dealers, and 4S stores, and are not subject to manufacturer pricing restrictions. As a result, parallel imported cars are typically 10%-20% cheaper than their homologated counterparts sold at 4S stores. Richer configurations: Due to differences in consumer preferences between domestic and international markets, parallel imported cars rarely suffer from the 'de-contenting' phenomenon common in domestically sold models. Dealers can also customize configurations according to consumer preferences, offering greater freedom compared to homologated models. Disadvantages of parallel imported cars: Although the prices are relatively lower, the main drawback is the inability to enjoy the warranty and after-sales services provided by domestic brand 4S stores. Since these cars are purchased through third-party channels, they lack access to dealer maintenance services, making it difficult to guarantee quality. Moreover, after-sales service is virtually non-existent. In case of any issues, corresponding original parts need to be sourced from overseas, resulting in long waiting times.
