Dear Readers:
In recent weeks we have witnessed an unprecedented volleying of responsibility between Transport Canada, RIV and the auto manufacturers. The issue in question has been the anti-theft device (the immobilizer) standard that was planned for introduction on 2008 vehicle models.
With five years to prepare for the introduction of the new policy, to say that this situation has been mismanaged is an understatement. More that 3,000 people, have been caught in the "net".
The net spans from September 1, 2007 to November 1, 2007, a full 60 days where Transport Canada overlooked its responsibility to roll out the policy and market it accurately and proactively to potential importers. Now, instead of heading the pleas of these same folks to honour its website information and its employees' well meaning but downright misguided assurances, Transport Canada has chosen to not only uphold this policy, but to enforce it retroactively!
A new website has emerged to support those caught in the borderless confines of the importing process. Appropriately named Cars Without Borders, the website has been built and is being supported by volunteers and advocates who are seeking justice from a government who has turned a blind eye to these 3000 importers.
We as Canadians who are exercising our right to import vehicles under the NAFTA agreement, have a choice. Sit back and let the bureaucrats who aren't forced to hold their newly acquired vehicles in limbo run amok with our dollars and their double-speak OR speak up for those who are in the unfairly caught in the midst of this debacle and have tens of thousands of dollars to lose.
There is a democratic process in this Country and we urge you to exercise your rights. Visit Cars Without Borders and let them know how you can help.
Showing posts with label Immobilizer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Immobilizer. Show all posts
Monday, November 26, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Transport Canada and the Immobilizer Debacle
Dear Readers:
Please share your experiences with us.
Here's one from a recent importer submitted November 21, 2007.
--------------------------------------------
Transport Canada Boondogle
Here are the details of our experience in trying to import a 2008 Escalade.
1. Oct. 27 paid $500 deposit for the purchase of Escalade
2. Oct. 29 went to Canada Custom and got (online rating report).
BSO agent 11464 detailing exactly how I should go about this process, and precisely what my cost at the border will be.
3. Oct. 29 additionally called GM Canada (1888 467 6853) regarding the recall clearance letter. I was told the fee would be going up to $250, and additionally the Recall Letter is required after you have imported, at the time of inspection. So in my case there was no rush.
4. Based on RIV list as it existed on Oct.28, custom verification with agent #11464 on Oct 29 and recall clearance agency discussion on October 29 a wire transfer of US $57,000 was made to the Cadilac dealer who agreed to ship the truck to Seattle for delivery on or about November 12.
Everything was thereby finalized as such.
5.Browsing the Net on a fine Sunday afternoon Nov 4 I was shocked to see a changed RIV list of admissability. When I called RIV just as they opened at 4 am pacific time I was put at ease by the agent (Owen) saying since you have a bill of sales October 30th, you are OK, as long as Canada customs is OK. At 4:45 am pacific time, I was at the canada customs Huntingdon, BC, custom agents #19457 and agent #10402 gave me a form 1 and explained the process and assured me I have no problem.
5. At this time the pick up of the truck that was put on hold Sunday night November 4 was now given a go ahead, and custom agents were made aware of this.
6. November 13 as I drove in through the same Huntington border with my new truck, I was told rules have just changed again, and was shown a memo of Novermber 13 by agent BSO # 10582, and #11244. I was given a fax # and told if RIV could ok then we are OK.
7. November 13 5 pm pacific time I spoke to (Chase) RIV WHO assured me that this can be cleared up as soon as I can fax my bill of sale.
8. November 14 I called twice since no fax from RIV had been received, and spoke to agent Chase, his words "no problem no problem, letter of clearance on its way". Later at 2pm pacific time Stephane the manager through another agent adviced me "based on documentation submitted they can not provide a letter of clearance". when asked what other documents
they may need they had no answer to that question, but implied that Transport Canada will do a press release this week.
9. I feel I have been poked in the eye by RIV, Canada Customs, GM Canada by feeding me nothing but false assurances.
10. At the end of the day all my due diligence and following process got me in this hole.
11. Based on 2008 Escalade MSRP in Canada $90,000. My US cost is $60,000, do the math!!!!!!!
12. This is bureaucracy "passing the buck" at its best. GM Canada is laughing all the way to the bank. God Save this Country.
Please share your experiences with us.
Here's one from a recent importer submitted November 21, 2007.
--------------------------------------------
Transport Canada Boondogle
Here are the details of our experience in trying to import a 2008 Escalade.
1. Oct. 27 paid $500 deposit for the purchase of Escalade
2. Oct. 29 went to Canada Custom and got (online rating report).
BSO agent 11464 detailing exactly how I should go about this process, and precisely what my cost at the border will be.
3. Oct. 29 additionally called GM Canada (1888 467 6853) regarding the recall clearance letter. I was told the fee would be going up to $250, and additionally the Recall Letter is required after you have imported, at the time of inspection. So in my case there was no rush.
4. Based on RIV list as it existed on Oct.28, custom verification with agent #11464 on Oct 29 and recall clearance agency discussion on October 29 a wire transfer of US $57,000 was made to the Cadilac dealer who agreed to ship the truck to Seattle for delivery on or about November 12.
Everything was thereby finalized as such.
5.Browsing the Net on a fine Sunday afternoon Nov 4 I was shocked to see a changed RIV list of admissability. When I called RIV just as they opened at 4 am pacific time I was put at ease by the agent (Owen) saying since you have a bill of sales October 30th, you are OK, as long as Canada customs is OK. At 4:45 am pacific time, I was at the canada customs Huntingdon, BC, custom agents #19457 and agent #10402 gave me a form 1 and explained the process and assured me I have no problem.
5. At this time the pick up of the truck that was put on hold Sunday night November 4 was now given a go ahead, and custom agents were made aware of this.
6. November 13 as I drove in through the same Huntington border with my new truck, I was told rules have just changed again, and was shown a memo of Novermber 13 by agent BSO # 10582, and #11244. I was given a fax # and told if RIV could ok then we are OK.
7. November 13 5 pm pacific time I spoke to (Chase) RIV WHO assured me that this can be cleared up as soon as I can fax my bill of sale.
8. November 14 I called twice since no fax from RIV had been received, and spoke to agent Chase, his words "no problem no problem, letter of clearance on its way". Later at 2pm pacific time Stephane the manager through another agent adviced me "based on documentation submitted they can not provide a letter of clearance". when asked what other documents
they may need they had no answer to that question, but implied that Transport Canada will do a press release this week.
9. I feel I have been poked in the eye by RIV, Canada Customs, GM Canada by feeding me nothing but false assurances.
10. At the end of the day all my due diligence and following process got me in this hole.
11. Based on 2008 Escalade MSRP in Canada $90,000. My US cost is $60,000, do the math!!!!!!!
12. This is bureaucracy "passing the buck" at its best. GM Canada is laughing all the way to the bank. God Save this Country.
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