Vehicle Imports from the US Continue Upwards

Strong Loonie Drives Canadians South

The North American Automobile Trade Association reports that imports have jumped in the first quarter of 2010 with Canadians importing a total of 36,272 vehicles under the RIV program. GM and Ford vehicles led the pack with Toyota, Chrysler, Honda and Volkswagen rounding out the top 6.

If the strong dollar has you comparing vehicle prices, join the thousands of Canadians who have opted to purchase in the US and save.

Recent articles of interest: Globe & Mail and MSN Money make a good case for comparison shopping.

Still not convinced? Well, Cars Without Borders, a consumer advocacy group leading the campaign for fair prices for Canadians, has a few eye-opening examples of how Canadians continue to get duped by the manufacturers.

And if you have already imported your vehicle and had to pay manufacturer fees for recall letters and other non-Transport Canada required modifications, read about the class action law suit at http://autolawsuit.blogspot.com/

UCanImport encourages you to learn about the price differential between vehicles available in Canada and the US and to exercise your legal right to do what's best for your budget.

September 2009 Vehicle Imports Almost Double January Figures

Currency parity has more Canadians looking south for vehicles

After importing 240,000 vehicles from the United States last year, Canadians are back at it after a brief respite over the last 9 months.

If you are thinking of purchasing a vehicle in the US consider the following:

1. Will the dealership in the US sell me a brand new vehicle, or will I only be able to purchase a used one?

2. Does the seller have a clear title to the vehicle or are there any encumbrances on the vehicle?

3. Am I really getting the best rate on my wire transfer payment to the seller, and how do I shop for a better exchange rate?

4. How significant are the required modifications on the vehicle and can I have them completed in the US?

Read the most recent article in the Vancouver Sun related to importing vehicles from the US. For answers to the above questions and for additional clarification on the vehicle importation process, download a copy of UCanImport's easy-to-follow vehicle importing guide.

For a list of vehicles that can be imported from the United States, please see Transport Canada's admissibility listing.

For a list of USA and Canada Border Crossing details please visit our listing information at http://www.ucanimport.com/Border_Crossing_Info.aspx

RIV Launches New Website

Vehicle Importers Can Track Cases Online

RIV has leaped into the 21st Century with a brand new, easy-to-navigate website.

If you are importing a vehicle from the US into Canada, RIV offers more comprehensive manufacturer information, a customizable Importer Checklist, and links to border crossing information.

Please note that not all manufacturers will issue recall clearance information to you when you contact them. These include BMW and Honda among others. UCanImport suggests using this blog for tips on how to obtain recall information. Additionally, RIV does not provide exact documentation requirements for the US border, so you may choose to use UCanImport's border crossing information for ready access to fax numbers and other document details.

Overall, we applaud RIV's efforts to make importing information more transparent and love the fact that importers can now use a handy Case Tracking tool to keep up with the documentation approval process needed to receive the Federal Inspection Form (Form 2).

Importing a vehicle from the United States into Canada just became friendlier...

Importing A Motor Vehicle From The US

Avoid Common Dealer/Seller Scams When Buying A Motor Vehicle In The U.S.

This article written by Matthew de Paula of MSN Autos provides information on the following scams and give you tips on how to protect yourself:

1. Selling Cars Without Proper or Clear Titles;
2. Selling Wrecked or Salvaged Vehicles;
3. Bogus Warranties;
4. Financing Falls Through;
5. Credit/Identity Theft; and
6. Misleading Advertising.

For importers, note that in order complete your export out of the US, you must submit export documentation to the US Customs & Border Patrol office a minimum of 72 hours in advance. To complete this submission, you will have to provide copies of the front and back of the title certificate, as well as a copy of the bill of sale.

One statistic we have encountered suggests that up to 12% of online advertising is misleading. Please review the first part of this article to understand how to safeguard yourself against unscrupulous vehicle sellers.

Leasing Option Now Available for Canadian Vehicle Importers

UCanImport is pleased to announce that it has negotiated a leasing option for UCanImport Subscribers with one of Canada's largest fleet leasing corporations!

Leases are now available for new or pre-owned passenger cars and trucks that are imported from the USA into all provinces except Quebec.

Previously, leasing was not a purchase option for Canadians looking to purchase and import a vehicle from the United States. For many, this meant that importing was not an option because it required that they purchase the vehicle outright (cash) or through a line of credit or pre-negotiated loan with their local bank.

However, with UCanImport's leasing option, all UCanImport Subscribers can now explore the wider choice of new and used vehicles, as well as preferential pricing available in the United States, knowing that they have leasing as a purchase payment option.

So... Why Lease Instead of Purchase?

First and foremost... if you can save 20% to 50% on the vehicle purchase price simply by importing the vehicle from the United States, these savings would more than offset your vehicle leasing expenses!

Improved Cash Flow - When you buy a vehicle, you pay for the entire cost of the vehicle, regardless of how much you use it. When you lease, you only pay for a portion of the vehicle's cost, which is the amount you use during the term of the lease, as well as an interest amount charged by the leasing firm. Leasing can provide significant cash flow savings (which can then be better invested in appreciating assets) AND it enables you to drive the vehicle of your choice! With improved cash flow, you may even wish to upgrade to a newer and/or higher end vehicle make or model.

To learn more, fill out the short online form now available at:
www.UCanImport.com/Vehicle_Leasing.aspx

A leasing representative will then contact you to assist in determining if a vehicle lease is the right solution for your vehicle importation. Alternatively, you can call (250) 883-0188 (9:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time only, please).

Sincerely,
Zabin Somani (G.M.)
and the UCanImport "Pit Crew"

UCanImport Publications
"Driven by Knowledge"
-------------------------
info@ucanimport.com
www.UCanImport.com
www.UCanImport.Blogspot.com
-------------------------

Import a New Vehicle from the US into Canada

Important Tip To Protect The New Vehicle Purchaser

If you are purchasing a brand new vehicle in the US, particularly one that the dealerships are not allowed to sell you because of manufacturer restrictions - think Audi, Acura, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Volvo etc - you can use this tip to protect yourself while getting the car you want.

1. Select the new car and engage a US resident to complete the purchase for you using their US address;

2. Have the purchaser register the vehicle with the DMV and request a Title certificate, ensuring that they put your name as the lienholder;

3. As the lienholder, you will receive the Original Title for the vehicle. This means that you are the owner of the vehicle and the vehicle cannot be sold or transferred without your knowledge;

4. Ask the purchaser to provide you with a Bill of Sale showing the sale of the vehicle from them to you. At the same time, have them supply you with the Bill of Sale that they received from the dealership as this may be required for additional proof of purchase price by the CBSA;

5. Use the Original Title with your name, the Bill of Sale from the "purchaser", and the Vehicle Export Worksheet to submit your documents to the US CBP office where you plan to export your vehicle.

6. Use the Original Title, both Bills of Sale (dealership to purchaser, and purchaser to you) at the CBSA to have the duty, GST, A/C Levy calculated.

Why is this tip useful?

1. It allows you to rest easy at night knowing you hold the original Title to the new vehicle;

2. It allows you to circumvent the manufacturers' selling restrictions imposed on their dealerships;

3. It can be used in any State and keeps you protected when someone else is in charge of buying your car;

How can you increase the value of this tip?

1. Choose to purchase your new vehicle in a State that doesn't have a sales tax, like Oregon;

2. Use your personal exemption of up to $750 to lower the purchase price of the vehicle and therfore your GST and duty payable.

Bumper Standards On Way To Becoming Harmonized

Proposal Would Have A Positive Impact On Cross Border Vehicle Trade

Vol. 142, No. 12 — March 22, 2008

Regulations Amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Bumpers)
Issue and objectives

The proposed amendment to section 215 of Schedule IV of the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (see footnote 1) would modify the Canadian safety standard for bumpers via incorporation by reference of similar safety standards from the United States and Europe. This would have the effect of aligning the testing speeds with those of Europe and the United States and provide manufacturers the option of meeting the European safety requirements or the safety and no damage provisions of the United States. This proposed amendment would result in one consistent set of globally regulated test speed requirements for the design of bumpers, which would simplify the task of designing bumpers for vehicles destined for North American and European markets. This proposal would also facilitate the introduction in Canada of the impending Global Technical Regulation for pedestrian safety, being developed under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission of Europe (UN/ECE).

Description and rationale

Canada and the United States introduced safety standards for bumpers in the early 1970s. When the Canadian and the U.S. regulations were originally introduced, they were harmonized with a test speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) for front and rear impacts and 3 mph (4.8 km/h) for corner impact tests. However, in 1979, the United States added more stringent requirements that included cosmetic damage criteria, while maintaining the (harmonized) test speed and the original safety components damage protection requirements. In 1982, the United States reduced the speed requirements to 2.5 mph (4 km/h) for front and rear impacts and 1.5 mph (2.4 km/h) for corner impacts, and maintained their cosmetic and safety damage requirements.

In 1983, when the Canadian government proposed an amendment to harmonize the test speeds with those of the U.S. requirements (i.e. 4 and 2.4 km/h), many Canadian stakeholders, such as the public, provincial and territorial governments, media and the insurance industry, were against the proposed test speed reduction. As a result, the harmonization of test speed requirements was not pursued; thus for the past 26 years Canada has had a unique higher speed bumper test requirement for passenger cars.

This higher speed has resulted in some vehicle models not being available to Canadian consumers. In addition, in this period there have been some vehicles sold at the retail level in the United States that have been inadmissible for importation into Canada as they have not met the Canadian bumper requirements.

Manufacturers are presently more concerned with the ability to design vehicles capable of concomitantly meeting the unique higher Canadian test speeds and future pedestrian safety requirements that are being developed internationally, rather than the limitation of vehicle models available on the Canadian market. The Global Technical Regulation is aimed at reducing pedestrian fatalities by requiring that the front upper portion of vehicles be designed to reduce head contact forces when a pedestrian strikes the vehicle. This is accomplished by providing space between the vehicle exterior parts, such as the hood and upper fenders, and the solid structure of the vehicle, such as the motor or frame. In addition to reducing head injuries, the Global Technical Regulation on pedestrian safety will require that the bumpers of vehicles be designed to reduce lower leg injuries.

Manufacturers have strongly noted that a conflict exists in meeting the requirements of the three existing world regulations, ECE regulation number 42, Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 215, and Part 581, Title 49 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations. As the European and Canadian requirements are aimed at improving safety, the intention at the time of introduction of the requirements was to protect the safety equipment of the vehicle, such as the lights, from damage in a low speed collision. The intention of the current U.S. bumper standard is to reduce damage to the bumper system and thus provide American consumers with a lower bumper damage replacement and repair cost, while also maintaining the integrity of the safety systems. Manufacturers have noted that from a design standpoint, there is a conflict between meeting the no damage requirement of the United States, the higher test speed in Canada with no damage to the safety systems and the need for bumpers to be designed to meet impending pedestrian safety requirements. Manufacturers have indicated that it will not be possible to meet all three requirements at once. Further, they have suggested that they would be able to meet the U.S. lower speed and no damage requirements and the pedestrian safety requirements with one design.

This proposal would have a positive impact on international trade as the Canadian requirement for bumper testing would be amended to be the same as the requirements in Europe and in the United States. This amendment would assist Canada with its obligation under the Global Agreement made under the auspices of the UN/ECE. Canada’s commitment to review the Canadian bumper test speed requirements was noted in the summary document of the Global Technical Regulation working group on pedestrian safety that is available at the following site: www.unece.org/trans/doc/2006/wp29grsp/ps-186e.doc.

It is important to note that the design of the bumper systems and the percentage of passenger cars sold in Canada have changed significantly since the introduction of the bumper requirement in the early 1970s. In 1970, almost 83% of the vehicles sold were classified as passenger cars. Today, that percentage has dropped to less than 52% because of the consumer demand for trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles, which are not subject to the bumper requirements. In the intervening years, vehicle designs have also significantly changed. Vehicle designs in the 1970s frequently included metal bumpers with simple replacement of sealed beam headlamps. In comparison current designs usually include hidden bumper protection systems with moulded plastic covers and integral unique headlamps designs.

In the 1970s, the Government estimated that there would be a very small reduction in fatalities and injuries as a result of the benefit that people would no longer continue to drive a vehicle with damaged non-functioning lights following a small collision. The intention was for this requirement to result in vehicle designs where lighting and similar safety systems would be protected in a low-speed collision so that they would remain functional should the vehicle owner continue to drive a damaged vehicle. Today, several factors may alter this conclusion, such as the significant increase in sales of trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles (almost 500% increase), the significant design changes in bumpers and lighting systems in the past 35 years and the requirement of most police forces to have vehicles towed away from even minor collisions. It is now impossible to determine if the unique Canadian test speed requirement of 8 km/h provides any safety benefit. As there are over 370 pedestrian fatalities per year (a significant portion of the 2 900 fatalities per year on Canadian roads), it is proposed that it is time to refocus road safety efforts away from a higher speed test requirement that protects the vehicle safety systems, to facilitating future pedestrian safety designs. Pedestrian fatalities have remained stagnant since 2001, despite Canada’s national Road Safety Vision 2010 target of a 30% reduction for vulnerable road users. Further information is available in the Road Safety Vision 2010 Mid-Term Review report, viewable at the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators Web site www.ccmta.ca and in the Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics, viewable at www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety.

It is understood that making the front of a vehicle softer to protect pedestrians could result in some additional repair costs, especially considering that most low-speed collisions involve rear-ending other vehicles, such as in bumper-to-bumper traffic. This would have an impact on the insurance industry and, in turn, the consumer. In 2007, the U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released a new (non-regulatory) bumper test protocol to better mimic the performance of a car bumper and to assess under- and override during vehicle-to-vehicle low-speed crashes for all classes of light duty vehicles, with the focus being on damageability and cost of repairs. The impact speed for front and rear full-width impacts is 9.6 km/h and the corner impacts are tested at 4.8 km/h.

This proposed amendment would better serve a greater proportion of the public, as it would facilitate the enhancement in safety for pedestrians without reducing the safety of passenger cars. As the IIHS widely publicizes the results of their test program, Canadian consumers will be able to take advantage of this consumer information as part of their decision-making when purchasing a new vehicle.

Read the full amendment at Canada Gazette

How To Import A Car From The US

Importing Guide Provides Step-by-Step Process For All Types of Vehicles

The sixth edition of the UCanImport Guide has been entirely reorganized and features a number of new enhancements, including:

NEW VEHICLE COST WORKSHEET AND CHECKLIST TOOLS

At the beginning of Version 6 is the newly revised Vehicle Cost Worksheet and Checklist tools. The Process and Documentation Checklists now feature references to specific pages within the guide, enabling you to peruse the document in the typical linear "start to finish" fashion or skip to only those sections where you require additional clarification. For easier use, you will now also be able to download the Vehicle Cost Worksheet in Microsoft(r) Excel format and the sample letters and cover letters in Microsoft(r) Word format.

"I have to say, I likely wouldn't have tried this importation
project had I not stumbled across your guide. I'll be recommending
this to many others." ~ Les B, Calgary, AB, April 15, 2008

MORE COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION

The revised guide also feature new discussions such as "the implications of your vehicle choice", "understanding your documentation requirements", and more, that have been written and rewritten so that regardless of the vehicle you choose to import, you will be equipped with the best overall picture of what to expect along the way.

In Version 6, there are also fewer database-style tables, and instead more detailed discussion of the various steps involved. Why? The information in these lists changes too frequently. It makes more sense to include the lists, such as manufacturers' warranty policies, manufacturers' contact databases, trip permit information, border crossing instructions, glossary, etc. in the Resource Library on the UCanImport web site rather than in the guide itself. We can now update the list content more regularly (daily if need be) for our UCanImport Subscribers without any disruption to their importation experience. The guide is now purely focused on teaching you the importation process itself.

"Really Good Job! Version 6 is a great update and very
comprehensive. I hope you do well with this version."
~ Vince M., Ontario, April 2, 2008

NEW ONLINE INTERACTIVITY

All web URL references in Version 6 that link to resources in the UCanImport web site or on other third party web sites are now "active". Readers can click on the links to be directed to the corresponding information online (make sure you are connected to the Internet when you review the new guide).

"Just wanted to say thanks for the comprehensive information
on vehicle importing from the US to Canada. I really appreciated the
detailed and specific information you provide. Good work!"
~ Ian A., Alberta, April 1, 2008

OTHER CHANGES AT UCANIMPORT

With the release of Version 6, UCanImport has also modified the format of its services. Now, for a low ONE-TIME fee of $19.99, you can become a lifetime UCanImport Subscriber. What does this mean? The benefits are threefold:

1. In addition to your initial copy, you will now get all future editions of the guide delivered to your inbox at no additional charge (typically every 3 to 4 months).

2. You will also receive a membership to the UCANIMPORT SUBSCRIBER, an exclusive monthly eNewsletter packed with the latest importing regulatory changes, auto manufacturer requirement changes, money-saving tips, as well as case studies and insights from fellow importers. The eNewsletter ensures you are up-to-date between guide releases. Many of you have already received the UCANIMPORT INSIDER on a trial basis and the feedback so far has been outstanding.

3. You join a national community of vehicle importers. UCanImport is committed to providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date importing information on the Internet. We are acting as a conduit for sharing the latest importing information, experiences, tips.

"Thank for the fantastic job you are doing of getting all the new information
to people like myself who have been a UCanImport Subscriber since early
2007 but who have not yet bought in the States. With your updates, we
always know what has changed, and what we can expect when we begin
our importation. Great service!"
~ Fijay M., British Columbia, April 2, 2008

BECOME A UCANIMPORT SUBSCRIBER TODAY!

UCanImport is the only service that teaches you the ENTIRE importing process from start to finish - from purchasing your vehicle and the implications of your vehicle choice right through to inspections and final vehicle certification! With our educational resources, you will learn each step and their order of execution. You will also have the confidence to perform the importation when you are ready.

Importing Vehicles Into Canada

Class-Action Law Suit Aimed at Compensating Canadians for Unfair Pricing Practices

A lawsuit filed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia and seeking certification for a class-action lawsuit was announced yesterday. The lawsuit alleges that a number of auto manufacturers are keeping vehicle prices artificially high in Canada - average of 30% - while imposing restrictions on Canadians who are trying to exercise their legal right to purchase a vehicle in the U.S.

Other tactics by manufacturers such as Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, GM and Chrysler include the voiding of warranties.

Audi, BMW, Toyota, Lexus, GM, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and others are prohibiting new vehicles sales to Canadians by citing territorial issues in their franchise agreements.

Yet others such as BMW, Jaguar and Volvo are charging exorbitant document and modification fees.

All policies are alleged to fly in the face of the NAFTA agreement and keep vehicle prices unjustifiably high in Canada.

To get involved by presenting your claim to the law firm, read http://www.ucanimport.com/lawsuit.aspx
and download documents from
http://www.ucanimport.com/Lawsuit.aspx?t=downloads

Import a Car into Canada

UCanImport Featured on BC's “Christy Clark Show” on CKNW AM 980


On Monday, March 24, 2008, UCanImport has been invited to take part in a live interview at 1:00pm on the Christy Clark Show on CKNW AM 980.

The interview will be dedicated to the topic of how to import a car into Canada from the United States, with special attention to the recent policy changes implemented by the auto manufacturers. The show will also feature an important announcement on the legality of these importation policies.

If you want to import a car into Canada, you should tune into the show to understand some of the implications of your intended purchase.

Correct Exporting Information for Montana and Idaho Border Crossings Is Now Available

UCanImport is pleased to announced that the correct exporting information for Montana and Idaho border crossings is now available at border crossing information on the UCanImport website.

There are 14 border crossings in all that connect Idaho and Montana to parts of BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan and the requirements for all crossings are listed on UCanImport.

Importers can print off the Vehicle Export Worksheet as well as the worksheet titled Exportation of Equipment Not Requiring A Title directly off the UCanImport website and submit all requisite documents following the instructions provided.

Car Imports from the US break records: NAATA publication

The North American Automobile Trade Association newsletter states that a record number of vehicles entered Canada from the US in 2007.

A whopping 189,738 vehicles entered into Canada through the RIV program last year, a 55% increase over 2006 - also a record year.

January 2008 saw 21,661 vehicles come into Canada. With the Canadian dollar at par with the greenback, these figures reflect the price advantage of shopping in the US.

For more information, visit NAATA

Determining Admissibility for Mercedes Benz Imports from the US

Dear Readers:

If you are considering importing a Mercedes Benz from the US, please review these links.

http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/index.cfm?id=6872

http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/index.cfm?ID=6871&Language=English

You will be able to understand the admissibility process, request a Letter of Admissibility and determine if the model you are looking at will be allowed into Canada.

Happy Importing!

Transport Canada News Release Regarding Anti-Theft Device

Transport Canada's long-awaited amendment was announced today.

The amendment, which relates to the Immobilizer or Anti-Theft Device situation that has trapped a number of importers with vehicles that were overnight considered inadmissible to Canada, will now "allow Transport Canada to immediately begin clearing the backlog of cases involving Canadians who recently purchased certain new U.S. models."

To read the news release visit http://www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2007/07-h245e.htm

This amendment appears to be a victory for Canadians, but we await the final adoption on December 26th, which will be published in the Canada Gazette.

Immobilizer Amendment Issued By Transport Canada: Rules Relaxed In Favour Of Importers

We are pleased to report that an amendment announced by Transport Canada will allow vehicles equipped with a factory installed immobilizer to be imported into Canada.

Here is a paragraph from the amendment statement:

This proposed amendment clarifies that vehicles sold at the retail level in the United States, that are equipped at the time of manufacture with an electronic immobilization system, may be imported into Canada, and that those vehicles that do not have an electronic immobilization system may be imported if the vehicle can be safely fitted with an immobilization system that conforms to the National Standard of Canada...

For the full policy, please see http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/2007/20071201/html/regle14-e.html

Importing a Car from the US: Please Print And Notorize The RIV List

Dear Subscribers:

Please note that in the last few weeks, Transport Canada and RIV have been amending their admissible listings almost on a daily basis. Some prudent folks, who have ended up being caught in the "immobilizer net" (see blog items) actually saved the RIV lists for the dates in question.

To give yourself an extra measure of confidence please print off the current RIV listing that shows your vehicle as Admissible and have it notarized.

To see how the lists have been changing see http://www.carswithoutborders.com/resources/riv-lists/

Take a moment to sign their petition and to offer your support.

Importing A Car?: Canada Customs Is Offering Free Seminars

Dear Readers:

Now you can register online for a free seminar hosted by CBSA to learn the process of importing a car from the US.

"There will be importing seminars for the Canadian public who are interested in learning the process of importing cars into Canada and we're providing them at no charge," CBSA trade compliance officer Alan Barrados said. See complete article at http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2007/11/26/bc-carseminars.html#skip300x250

CBSA will advise you to " check the Transport Canada list online before heading south to shop."

"The pros & cons of buying a car in the U.S": MSN Finance article mentions UCanImport

The pros & cons of buying a car in the U.S., an online article written by Mr. Gordon Powers and posted today on MSN Finance mentions the UCanImport guide and it's step-by-step process to help Canadians import a car from the U.S.

A long-time mutual fund company executive, Mr. Powers now heads up the Affinity Group, a financial services consulting firm that counts some of Canada's largest financial institutions among its clients. Gordon was the personal finance columnist for the Globe & Mail for many years, has taught retirement planning at Ottawa’s Algonquin College, and is currently a columnist for Investment Executive, Canada’s national newspaper for financial advisors.

Mr. Powers references a recent importation by a UCanImport subscriber whose case study - a purchase of an Infiniti G37 from New York State - is available on the website for other Canadians contemplating their next vehicle purchase in the US.

To read the full article visit: http://www.ucanimport.com/show_news.aspx?id=22

Importing a Car from the USA? Daytime Running Lights Kit Available Through Canadian Tire

Submitted by: UCanImport subsciber

For $24.99 you can purchase a universal kit from Canadian Tire that allows you to do the job yourself. Note: It will NOT work on cars with concealed headlights.

Visit Canadian Tire, using this link, enter your postal code (if requested) and you'll be taken right to the universal kit.

We appreciate hearing from you - did the universal daylight running lights kit work for your import?

Thank you to our subscribers who keep us up-to-date on their experiences. You make this job so much fun!

Importing an Acura MDX from the USA into Canada - RIV Exemption Possibility

Submitted from a UCanImport subscriber from another blog site:

" Just got off the phone with my US dealer who has a stack of 2008 vehicles destined to Canada. He had a 2008 Sienna successfully go over to Canada, even though it was on "the list" as being non-admissible. The Sienna owner had purchased his vehicle pre-November 1st (when the list was released). He had RIV write up an "exception" letter and he was off to the races!"

"I must now contact RIV tomorrow with proof of sale (Oct 10th), which was made prior to the RIV Nov 6th list for my 2008 Tacoma, and they should give me an "exception" letter, as a precedence has now been set!!! I'll let everyone know how I do with this new angle. Cheers!"

UCanImport says: if you have a Bill of Sale dated earlier than October 31st, use this precedence to get your vehicle. RIV cannot make one exception and not honour any others. Based on the public outcry to this new immobilizer standard, we suspect RIV has an exception letter on file for folks who demand it. Call RIV at 1-888-848-8240 and get this letter.