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Buying in the US & Exporting to Europe

22 messages,  Last post on Oct 24, 2011 at 1:33 PM

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Messages Page 2 of 3

#3 of 22 Re: Buying in the US & Exporting to Europe [volvomax] by tidester

Dec 19, 2007 (5:27 pm)

Replying to: volvomax (Dec 19, 2007 5:11 pm)
The original request mentioned BMW, Porsche and Mercedes though this discussion doesn't need to be constrained to just those brands. We could even consider Volvo!
 
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

#4 of 22 Re: Buying in the US & Exporting to Europe [tidester] by volvomax

Dec 20, 2007 (9:57 am)

Replying to: tidester (Dec 19, 2007 5:27 pm)
Well, those franchises expressly forbid their US dealers to sell cars for export.
So, the person buying the car would have to have a verifiable US address.
Next, depending on which country you want to send the car to, you would have to do a fair amount of modification.
Then, you may have to pay an import tax or tariff on the car.
Finally, you will have no warranty

#5 of 22 Re: Buying in the US & Exporting to Europe [volvomax] by tidester

Dec 20, 2007 (11:03 am)

Replying to: volvomax (Dec 20, 2007 9:57 am)
I'll let the requestor speak for himself.
 
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

#6 of 22 Response by mbporbmw

Jan 02, 2008 (2:36 pm)

I am the requestor. I apologize for leaving you clueless and not getting to you earlier. I am a US citizen and have a verifiable address. I am concerned mostly with issues on the purchasing side and US regulations instead of the rules of the other countries. I have some local people who are informed on that issue.
 
For volvomax or anybody else who can answer:
 
Could you please explain more on how the US dealers forbid their cars for export. If i purchase a car in my name, should I not have the right to move it to whatever country I choose as long as that other country permits it's registration?
 
Also. is the abolishment of the warranty an absolute fact for all vehicles moved to a different country?
 
Thank You

#7 of 22 Re: Response [mbporbmw] by jlawrence01

Jan 03, 2008 (4:47 am)

Replying to: mbporbmw (Jan 02, 2008 2:36 pm)
Could you please explain more on how the US dealers forbid their cars for export. If i purchase a car in my name, should I not have the right to move it to whatever country I choose as long as that other country permits it's registration?

 
Many dealers will not sell to you for export due to contractual obligations with the automakers that the dealerships represent.
 
In reality, I really do not see how anyone could stop you from buying a vehicle, placing it into a container and shipping it abroad.
 
However, I doubt that the OEM would honor a warranty on an exported vehicle as they may not even have a presence in that other country. Also, MOST manufacturers take a dim view of grey marketeers.

#8 of 22 Re: Response [jlawrence01] by mbporbmw

Jan 03, 2008 (1:26 pm)

Replying to: jlawrence01 (Jan 03, 2008 4:47 am)
Thank you for your response jlawrence01.
 
You mention that most manufacturers take a dim view of gray marketeers. Are there manufactures that do not hold such a stance.
 
As far as repairing vehicles, there are official service centers for all of the brands mentioned. Vehicles could be repaired there. Even so, is the warranty of a vehicle terminated the moment it is registered in another country?
 
Are there any books or resources I could read to familiarize myself with such warranty regulations and US auto export laws?
 
And finally, what would be the most cost effective manner to purchase vehicles in larger quantities even if they are not for export? Is it possible to purchase directly from the factory and bypass the dealerships (a lot of bmws and mbs are produced in the US)?

#9 of 22 Re: Response [mbporbmw] by volvomax

Jan 04, 2008 (5:09 pm)

Replying to: mbporbmw (Jan 02, 2008 2:36 pm)
the franchise agreements that all dealers sign expressly forbid a dealer from KNOWINGLY selling a new car for export.
However, if you purchase a new car legally and pay all the appropriate fees and taxes, and register the car with your home state,then you can do what you want.
If you want to put the car in a container and send it wherever, you have that right.
The only way you couldn't is if you financed the purchase.
So, you have to pay cash.
 
As for the warranty, that is only good in the US.
The reason being is that the entity backing the warranty only exists in the US.
In the case of Volvo, it is Volvo Cars North America that stand behind the warranty, NOT Volvo Cars Sweden.
Same thing w/ GM.
GM in the US backs the GM warraty, NOT GM of Europe.
Finally, you have to check the laws of the country you wish to import to.
Some won't allow it at all, others will but you have to modify the car and pay an import fee.

#10 of 22 Re: Response [volvomax] by mbporbmw

Jan 05, 2008 (6:18 pm)

Replying to: volvomax (Jan 04, 2008 5:09 pm)
Thank you for your response. The warranty issue makes a lot of sense now.
 
On a different topic, does anybody have information concerning my second question. What is the most cost effective way to purchase cars in larger quantities? I feel that I could lower the price significantly by working with one dealership since they would be receiving multiple commissions. Is it possible, however, to order factory direct? I guess that I could start my own independent dealership, but would I be able to sell brands without having to sign a franchise agreement?

#11 of 22 Re: Response [volvomax] by joel0622

Jan 09, 2008 (8:47 am)

Replying to: volvomax (Jan 04, 2008 5:09 pm)
However, if you purchase a new car legally and pay all the appropriate fees and taxes, and register the car with your home state,then you can do what you want.
 
As long as you pay cash. If the car is financed then (at least with FMCC) you have to alert the borrower that the car is being taken abroad.
 
I don't think that applies here, sounds like the poster has a bank roll.

#12 of 22 Re: Response [mbporbmw] by joel0622

Jan 09, 2008 (8:53 am)

Replying to: mbporbmw (Jan 05, 2008 6:18 pm)
If you are a legitimate business the cheapest way would be to get a FIN # (thats what Ford calls them) That gives you the ability to buy cheap in bulk and choose where you want the cars to be delivered. They do have to be dropped shipped at a dealership though so, they won't bring them to your house or place of business. then I am sure there are some limitations as to what you can do with the cars then. Probably some legalities as to them being for resale
 
 guess that I could start my own independent dealership, but would I be able to sell brands without having to sign a franchise agreement?
 
You have to have to own a dealership to sell new cars and the only ones you can buy are for the dealership brand you own.
 
A Ford sign would cost you a at the least a few million.
 
There are wholesalers here that send current used model cars over seas and make a killing doing it. Before taxes, fees and shipping they are doubling there money.

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