Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Volvo admissibility Q&A for importers from the US

Volvo has posted a series of Q&As for the importer at this link http://www.volvocanada.com/NewsAndEvents/VehicleAdmissibility.aspx?lng=2

You will see that Volvo claims that "Transport Canada has delegated to Volvo Canada the responsibility of informing the public which Volvo vehicles are admissible in accordance with Transport Canada standards."

One of the statements that Transport Canada (TC) makes is that auto-manufacturers are "self-certifying" and unless called to audit the certification process, TC leaves it to the manufacturer, in this case, Volvo, to tell the importer and TC which vehicles may be admitted to Canada, and in their opinion, be successfully modified to meet Canadian Safety Standards that are governed by TC.

Where TC stands on the exorbitant pricing strategy for these modifications is anyone's guess...

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I contacted several dealers in WA (Barrier Volvo)and Oregon. They want to sell me a new 2007 model...they claimed the odometer doesn't comply with CDN safety regulations so they cannot sell to me. Also mentioned the "agreement" with Volvo Canada not to sell for direct export to Canada...though they seem to be willing to work around this issue. The Oregon guys want an Oregon licence and address. I do have access to a US address in WA...can I have my relative buy the car and then re-sell to me and still avoid the State Tax? I am a bit hesitent to post my email as sales types might start killing me with emails/inquiries....

UCANIMPORT PUBLICATIONS said...

From what I understand there is no state tax payable in Washington on vehicle purchases, so your friend could buy the vehicle for you and then sell it to you.

However, please be sure that you understand the costs of modifications prior to completing your purchase as we'd hate for you to get gouged by Volvo once the car comes into Canada.

Let us know how you make out.

Unknown said...

I'm looking to import a 2005 volvo v70 r from washington state. i've submitted my request for the letter of admissibility from volvo canada and will be calling them tomorrow to request recall letter. I'm hoping the letter of admissibility will come quickly as i would like to make an offer on this beautfiul volvo v70 r asap. Any comments anybody?? Anyone know roughly how much the modifications will cost?? i'm assuming the v70 r is admissible in Canada....thx

Anonymous said...

Hello i brought in a V70-R. Having issues with Volvo Canada as prior to Jan 1, 2007, this vehicle required no changes or modifications. However now TC seems to be controlled by Vehicle manufactures and Volvo is getting away with not posting which models needs midifications. They now do a "safety inspecton" prior to giving you a compliance letter which costs $1950. This safety check does not tell you the cost of fixing anything they think is wrong, that is another charge for diagnosing. Huge ripoff! Gov of Canada doesn't make the rulesauto makers do and this is simply price gouging to make money and discourage cross border shopping.
So you know nothing needs to be modified, just bend over, grab some lube because you'll pay Volvo $1950 (some dealers charge $200 to make odometer into km) and you'll be on your way!

UCANIMPORT PUBLICATIONS said...

We do wonder why they just don't reduce their prices in Canada.

The MSRP in Canada for the V70 3.2 FWD is $41,995 while the U.S. MSRP is $32,465.

How does Volvo justify the 28.67% (22% when you add in the 6.1% duty you have to pay) price disparity when our dollar is slightly higher than the U.S.dollar?

Shame on them.