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Articles and InformationImporting Vehicles from North America – It’s All About Relationships Buying Vehicles from North American Suppliers Helping Canadians Import American Cars American Cars are Ready For Sale at Canadian Dealerships Importing From Overseas is Good for Business Der Import aus Übersee steigert den Absatz Importing into the New EU Member States Vehicle Markets are Bound to Change Why European dealers should import vehicles from North America What is a registered importer? Importing Japanese cars into Canada Why Canadians should buy U.S. cars North American Automobile Trade Association – Our History
Importing Vehicles from North America – It’s All About RelationshipsDealers around the world import vehicles from North America primarily to distinguish themselves from competitors – they sell vehicles that are not otherwise readily available in local markets. By selling North American models that are different from other vehicles on the road, dealers create excitement and draw customers to their business. They attract buyers who want to drive something unique. The proliferation of the internet across the world has made consumers and dealers intimately familiar with North American product lines and offerings. Consumers want to drive the cars they see in movies, television and the internet. Dealers who are able to supply these vehicles benefit from increased interest from buyers in their inventory. The process of importing North American vehicles may seem intimidating to some. But once dealers learn the process, they establish a real tangible advantage over their competitors. The importation process is not difficult when working with an experienced, professional and knowledgeable supplier. The right supplier will ensure that logistics are handled properly and the importer can focus on doing what they do best – selling vehicles. Developing relationships with good suppliers is just as important as having strong relations with customers. Having a vehicle supplier that delivers vehicles on time as ordered enables dealers to keep their own promises. The right supplier will make a dealer look good to customers. This, in turn, leads to more sales and presents a win-win situation for everyone involved. This article has been written by Derek W. Hall, TWS Worldwide S.A. de C.V., an international fleet and leasing company specializing in late model, pre-owned motor vehicles.
Buying Vehicles from North American SuppliersWith worldwide currencies trading favorably to the U.S. dollar this year, there has been renewed demand for American automobiles in overseas markets. Dealers in Europe, Asia, South America and the Middle East are buying up vehicles from North American exporters in record numbers. These dealers are thriving because they are able to import products that are both competitively priced and unique to local markets. There is one question of critical importance for overseas dealers who are buying from North American suppliers: How can you check out your suppliers? Dealers need to make sure they are buying from reputable and reliable exporters who have the expertise and professionalism to deliver on their promises. It is always useful to do reference checks when buying overseas. Dealer associations can be invaluable in getting information on your suppliers. The North American Automobile Trade Association (NAATA) and the European Association of Independent Vehicle Traders (EAIVT) are two organizations that are able to provide an independent assessment of a supplier’s reputation, history and experience in the market. It is also worth checking to see whether your supplier is a member or partner of these trade organizations and you should expect that they regularly attend industry meetings and conferences. This typically indicates that your dealer is professional, serious and stays informed about the market. There are other indicators of reputable suppliers. The best suppliers have a strong history and are able to draw on their experiences and contacts. They are the most knowledgeable and are set up to properly handle export sales. When buying in North America, it makes good business sense to buy from those who are most specialized, because they will give you the best service and security. This article has been written by Andrew Pilsworth, A&T Leasing, a North American dealer that exports around the world. Helping Canadians Import American CarsWith the Canadian currency maintaining its high value against the American dollar, imports of U.S. vehicles into the country continue to flow through in record numbers. Canadians, from coast-to-coast, are buying all makes and models from American dealers. They are saving thousands of dollars and are finally enjoying the benefits of free trade. Importing can be a daunting task. There are a whole series of procedures and steps to follow. Forms must be filled out and government fees must be paid. Without knowing all the steps, it can be difficult for a consumer to truly understand how much they are saving or exactly what they have to do to get their car across the border and onto their driveway. People just want to buy a car, not study import procedures. Fortunately, there is help for Canadians who want to buy an American car without the hassle. There are a few dealers who are true specialists in the business of importing cars across the Canada – United States border. These dealers have been selling cars across the border for decades and fully understand the process. A few years ago, when the exchange rates were reversed, they sold Canadian cars to Americans. This is their sole focus and they typically give the best service to consumers who want to buy a cross-border vehicle. Any Canadian who wants to buy an American car can simply give these dealers a call. Tell them what kind of car you want. The dealers will give you a quote, including all the costs of bringing it across the border. The process is as simple as buying from your local dealer. With the price gap between the two countries, it is prudent for any car buyer to at least consider the possibility of buying an American import. It doesn’t cost anything to kick the tires. You may find that you save a considerable amount of money. This article has been written by Rick Izzo, Superior Auto Sales, an American dealer that sells vehicles to Canadians. American Cars are Ready For Sale at Canadian DealershipsAs everyone knows, Canadians in every province are buying American imports. The market for American vehicles in Canada is no longer an insignificant part of the retail market, particularly for high-end vehicles. Lexus, Porsche, BMW, Audi, Infiniti, Scion and other makes are being imported into Canada in big numbers. These cars were originally sold in the United States and are now commonplace on Canadian roads. When Canadians set out to buy an American car, they do not buy because they want to do the paperwork associated with importing. They don’t want the delays of having to wait while their vehicle is shipped and goes through the import and certification process. Canadians just want the best car at the best price. Canadians who are ready to buy an American car and who don’t want to wait while it is imported can buy American vehicles at Canadian dealerships. Some Canadian dealerships specialize in American imports. Their entire inventories come from south of the border. These dealers are able to sell American vehicles that have already been imported. The paperwork is already complete. The RIV inspections have been done and the certifications are in place. The cars have been shipped and they are ready for sale in Canada, waiting for their next owner to drive away. Effectively, the market has become more customer-friendly. Canadians want American cars because they want the best cars at the best price. Dealers have responded by putting these vehicles into inventory at Canadian dealerships. Canadians are able to buy their cross-border car just as easily as they buy from their local dealer. This article has been written by Steve Bulyovsky, Canadian Auto Associates, a Canadian dealer that sells American vehicles. Importing From Overseas is Good for BusinessFor decades, auto dealers around the world have watched while competitors source vehicles in other countries. They sit complacently on the sidelines while their competitors draw customers with unique and exciting cars that attract attention on the roads and in their showrooms. Dealers who buy imports always seem to make a big splash in local markets. Newspapers, magazines and internet advertisements all look similar. The same cars are sold by everyone at about the same price. This is the magic of buying imports: you stand out from everyone else and increase your market value. When you buy a car that has been imported across an ocean, you are able to sell a product that few people have in the market. There is a valuable niche of car enthusiasts who identify themselves with the vehicle they drive. These buyers are willing to make a major investment to upgrade their image and will pay a healthy premium to be different. They will rely on you and you will become their dealer of choice. Auto dealers can profit greatly by serving this market. In addition to selling hard-to-find vehicles at a premium, dealers who import stand out from competitors. These dealers generate strong loyalty with the customers they value most, people who are passionate about cars and who will tell others why their dealer is better than all of the others. Imports make for good business. Now is the best time to leave the sidelines and get in the game. There are customers in your market who are ready to buy that special car that only you can sell to them. This article has been written by Robin Jones, Techlantic Ltd., a North American dealer that exports around the world. Der Import aus Übersee steigert den AbsatzSeit Jahrzehnten mussten Autohändler weltweit zusehen, wie ihre Mitbewerber Fahrzeuge aus anderen Ländern bezogen. Sie ruhten sich auf ihren Lorbeeren aus, während ihre Mitbewerber die Kunden mit Einzelexemplaren und aufseherregende Autos anlockten. – Händler, die importieren, sorgen immer für einen großen Aufruhr in ihrem lokalen Absatzmarkt. Zeitungen, Magazine sowie das Internet sind überfüllt mit Werbungen von den bekanntesten Fahrzeugen in Europa. Jedermann vertreibt die selben Fahrzeuge zum fast gleichen Preis. Aus diesem Grund sollte man die Möglichkeit ergreifen und Fahrzeuge aus Übersee anbieten – so steigern Sie Ihren Marktwert! Wenn Sie ein Fahrzeug erwerben, welches aus Übersee importiert wurde, verfügen Sie über ein Modell, das nur wenige auf dem Markt haben. Hier gibt es eine wertvolle Nische von Autoliebhabern, die sich mit dem Fahrzeug identifizieren, das sie fahren. Diese potenziellen Kunden sind für eine größere Investition bereit um ihr Image zu pflegen. Sie würden sich auf Sie verlassen und Sie wären Ihre 1. Wahl unter den Händlern. Die Autohändler könnten großartig von diesem internationalen Markt profitieren. Zusätzlich heisst es, dass sie Raritäten vertreiben und somit ein Profit gegenüber ihren Mitbewerber haben. So können Sie sich besser auszeichnen. Diese Händler erreichen eine große Loyalität von den äußerst geschätzten Kunden und Interessenten, die eine Leidenschaft für Autos haben. Diese werden anderen Interessenten Sie weiterempfehlen und bezeugen warum Sie eine bessere Wahl als andere Mitbewerber sind. Durch den Import steigern Sie Ihren Absatz. Nun ist es an der besten Zeit sich nicht auf ihren Lorbeeren auszuruhen, sondern Ihr Geschäft durchzustarten. Ihre Kunden warten bereits – die Raritäten zu erwerben, die Sie ihnen anbieten. Dieser Artikel wurd verfasst von Robin Jones, Techlantic Ltd., ein Nord Amerkanischer Händler,
der Fahrzeuge rund um die Welt exportiert. Importing into the New EU Member StatesIt was only a few years ago that the European Union was a cozy club consisting of 15 member states. We are now experiencing an explosion of growth as new member states stretching into Eastern Europe have joined the community. For vehicle importers, exporters and parallel traders, these economic and political developments present great opportunity. As each new country joins the EU, a new market We are already seeing flourishing markets for cross-border vehicles and overseas imports in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. There are also opportunities in the newest member states, Romania and Bulgaria, two markets that are now more open thanks to their new status in the EU. The European Union now boasts 27 member states. There are three more official candidate countries, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey. There are also important markets that are physically situated in Europe that are not part of the EU community, such as Iceland, Switzerland and Norway. Vehicle importers, exporters and parallel traders have much opportunity as these countries all possess different market characteristics and price, supply and demand imbalances. Smart vehicle dealers will take the initiative to understand these markets and the opportunities for vehicle redistribution. This article has been written by Jan Zurek, Atlantic Auto Performance Ltd., a North American dealer that exports around the world. Vehicle Markets are Bound to ChangeAnyone who has been active in the automobile trade markets for any length of time is able to attest that vehicle markets are vulnerable to frequent and sudden change. Many influences ranging from currency exchange rates and customer demand to the establishment of new rules or policies by auto manufacturers possess the ability to affect the automobile markets in highly significant ways. Sometimes these influences cause temporary disruptions of supply within the markets and at other times these disruptions are permanent. For these reasons, and many others, it important to ensure that your vehicle supply company is working proactively on your behalf at all times. One of the surest ways to weather unforeseen changes in the market is to work with suppliers that focus on keeping your best interests in mind. A high quality supplier should be able to offer viable supply solutions that are tailored to stimulate business within your unique marketplace. A truly valuable supplier will be up-to-date on current market information and trends. He or she will use this information to strive continually forward and explore new opportunities that will help you to stay one step ahead in business. The most qualified supplier to fulfill your needs should stand apart from the rest through their ability to diversify. They should possess clear flexibility, vast competitive resources and the ability to quickly identify and adapt to new market opportunities. These are just a few of the many important characteristics of a superior vehicle supplier. In the automobile trade industry, our business is not always easy. But there is one reality that will always hold true: it’s easier to create a successful business when you have the most highly qualified suppliers in place! This article has been written by Roland Foch, Foch Leasing, a North American dealer that exports around the world. Why European Dealers Should Import Vehicles from North AmericaWhat makes your dealership stand out from your local competitors? When a customer walks past your showroom, will they see something that sits in every other dealership in your area or will they see a vehicle that will make them stop, look, and bring them in your showroom? In today’s world your customer has the ability to see, evaluate, and experience on the Internet any vehicle that is made by any manufacturer. There are many customers who want the newest, best, or most luxurious vehicle available. Unfortunately, the choice of vehicles your customer can drive is limited by the models available in your country. You now have the ability to satisfy the requests, demands, desires, and needs of all your customers and boost your showroom traffic by using the services of North American exporters, just like other dealers across Europe. Some dealerships sell just a couple of North American cars per year in order to differentiate themselves from the competition. Others invest heavily in promotion of vehicles from North America, purchasing multiple vehicles per week. Either way, they increase their sales by going international. International vehicle sales have been in existence for decades. Thanks to today’s modern conveniences the process of importation has become a safe and secure way for you to maximize your profits and realize your customers’ dreams. By working with knowledgeable, experienced exporters from North America, importing is not as difficult as it looks. Knowledgeable exporters can help you with shipping, insurance, forwarding, duties, taxes, homologation and warranty. The end result is that you will have more customers coming in your door. This means you will have more sales and bigger profits. Quick Importing Checklist:
This article has been written by Robin Jones, Techlantic Ltd., a North American dealer that exports around the world. What is a Registered Importer?A registered importer is a company licensed by the National Highway Traffic & Safety Administration to certify that Canadian vehicles meet United States safety standards. When vehicles less than 25 years old are imported into the United States from other countries, including Canada, the vehicles must be certified as meeting American safety standards. This certification can be provided by the manufacturer as long as the vehicle is for personal use and not for resale. If the manufacturer refuses to provide the certification or if the vehicle is imported for resale, the certification must be provided by a registered importer. back to topImporting Japanese Cars into CanadaPart of the fascination of vehicle ownership is driving a car that is special - something different from everything else on the road. Canadian importation laws somewhat curtail the passion of vehicle ownership as importation is not permitted from outside the United States unless a car is more than 15 years old. Still, these restrictions do not curb the enthusiasm of a select group of car fanatics. There is a niche market for importation of 15 year old cars from Japan. These vehicles have the steering wheel on the right hand side and present a real attention getter for drivers. With reasonably low mileage history, well-preserved body conditions and the availability of parts from Japan, there is a market of aficionados who can enjoy these vehicles for years. The dealers who supply these vehicles are appreciated and valued for bringing considerable pleasure to the pavement. back to topWhy Canadians Should Buy U.S. CarsCanadians have been buying vehicles from the United States in record numbers. Last year alone, more than 100,000 vehicles from the United States were imported into Canada. This is a massive jump from 10 years ago, when only 25,000 or so vehicles entered the country each year. Canadians want to buy a car from the United States primarily for two reasons:
Some vehicles are in short supply in Canada. They are sold out or just are not available. Some option packages are only available in the U.S. Of course the exchange rate makes it very favorable to buy an American car. With the Canadian dollar trading at record high levels, cars are simply cheaper in America. The exact same car might cost thousands less than at Canadian dealerships. Being able to buy a car from the U.S. gives a buyer more product choice. It is just one more way to buy a vehicle. If they can’t get the deal they want from the U.S., they can always still buy in Canada. Part of the reason more Canadians are buying from the U.S. is that more people are becoming aware of their choices. Most people simply buy a vehicle from their local dealership. They never think to look outside of their own city and certainly not in another country. That is changing. The internet has made it possible for people to find out what cars are selling for on the other side of the border. With so many Canadians living close to the United States border, it is no wonder that there has been a surge in imports. People are telling their friends about the increased product choice and savings. Most people never even think about buying from the United States unless someone else suggests it to them. With more than 100,000 Canadians importing a vehicle from the United States last year, word of this secret will spread more quickly. With economic factors and exchange rates remaining in the same range, the number of imports will certainly continue to rise. Importing is easy and experienced dealers can take care of the paperwork and shipping. For Canadians, this represents a tremendous opportunity to save money or the chance to buy a unique vehicle. It doesn’t cost anything to consider buying an American import. People might be pleasantly surprised when they find out what an importer can do for them. This article has been written by Rick Izzo,
Superior Auto Sales, an American dealer that sells vehicles to Canadians. North American Automobile Trade Association – Our HistoryThe North American Automobile Trade Association (NAATA) started in 1996, with a few motor vehicle dealers who were in the same business – they imported and exported vehicles across international borders. At that point we didn’t even have a name or a mission. We were just colleagues with common issues, problems and opportunities. NAATA began officially on September 5, 1996. We developed a clear purpose, one that has been our mission ever since. The mandate of NAATA is to facilitate the purchase and sale of motor vehicles across international borders. In the first few years, this mission was quite a challenge. Selling vehicles across international borders was a difficult thing to do. There were obstacles that prevented importers and exporters from fully capitalizing on opportunities in other countries, with significant implications for dealers and consumers. In an era when international trade was a hot item on the government agenda, there was a startling absence of high volume trade in motor vehicles. Regulatory barriers prevented vehicles from crossing the Canada-United States border and also prevented the export of vehicles from North America to overseas destinations. Not everyone was allowed to benefit equally from free trade. When we started, the harmonization of Canadian and American safety and emissions standards had not yet made it practical to buy and sell across the Canada – United States border in significant numbers. Tariffs were still imposed on imports as the practical implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement was being worked out. Cross-border registration and certification processes were still problematic and tax refund issues prevented exporters and overseas buyers from fully capitalizing on opportunities for sales across the ocean. One-by-one, we addressed these issues, not always with complete success, but we won considerably more battles than we lost. It became more viable to export American vehicles overseas and to buy and sell across the Canada-United States border. As the regulatory barriers to trade began to fall, new obstacles were imposed by industry. Importing and exporting is often a politically charged arena involving manufacturers, dealers, distributors and consumers. NAATA has been a major force in this jostling. We have always remained true to our mission. NAATA’s presence in the market has always ensured that motor vehicles continue to cross international borders. Although our purpose remains the same, we adjust the specifics of what we do. When there were regulatory barriers to trade, we broke down those barriers. When political maneuvering made it impossible to import and export, we made sure that there was a place for this niche market in the industry. And now, we are bringing public awareness to the forefront. NAATA hosts conferences and events that bring importers and exporters together from around the world. Our International Dealer Conference in November in Las Vegas is the place to meet and spend quality time with customers, suppliers, dealers, importers, exporters, parallel traders, homologation experts, trade officials, shipping and transportation companies, government representatives, foreign exchange providers and others who are an integral part of the international vehicle import and export community. You are welcome and encouraged to attend. Vehicle importers and exporters are able to offer a real tangible benefit to the market. They are able to supply vehicles that are not otherwise available and/or they supply identical vehicles at more competitive prices. They bring a tremendous service to the market, one that deserves professionalism, respect and protection. With the place of importers and exporters well settled, it is our responsibility to ensure that people are aware of the benefits of this market. We want consumers to be aware of the advantages and increased choice associated with cross-border vehicles. We want dealers to experience the excitement of showing product that is not otherwise available in the local market. We want dealers to find suppliers and consumers to find retailers that are truly expert in this market, so that the right cars can get to the right people. We hope this directory is useful to you for this purpose. And thank you for helping us to spread the word. back to top
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