Vehicle Imports in 2008 Break Previous Records

The North American Automobile Trade Association (NAATA) has summarized the importing stats from 2008 as follows:

A total of 239,929 vehicles were imported into Canada through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles program in 2008, breaking the old record set the year before of 189,738 vehicles.

This figure represents an average of 22, 600 vehicles per month from January to October allowing for the dramatic declines in November (7,854 vehicles) and December (5,661vehicles).

With the drop in the Canadian dollar exports from Canada to the US and to other parts of the world are starting to pick up.

Daytime Running Lights for Chrysler Vehicles

Canadian Dealers Can Activate DRLs

A few weeks ago a subscriber asked:

"Do you know if Chrysler makes a module to turn on the DRL system in a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. I live in the States and have a Canadian made unit. All the dealers and Chrysler have given me is a run around. Anything will be helpful."

UCanImport offered this reader some advice on how to get the information, and asked them to provide any feedback for our subscribers and blog readers. Here's the answer for all Chrysler importers:

"I finally found the answer to the question. American Chrysler product dealers do not have the ability to turn the DRL system on with their Tech Box, but I have discovered that Canadian Chrysler product dealers do. All I have to do is drive over to Windsor and go to the dealer and they will take their box and flash the PCM and on they come."

UCanImport advises that in many instances Canadian Tire may be able to help depending on the year of the vehicle.

Import a Mercedes-Benz from the US

Transport Canada list shows 2009 models are now admissible to Canada

If you are seeking to import a Mercedes-Benz vehicle from the US, please review the newly-updated list at Transport Canada for admissibility requirements. To review admissibility listings directly at Mercedes-Benz, please see http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/index.cfm?id=6872

We encourage you to review an earlier blog posting to understand how to obtain a Recall Clearance Letter for your Mercedes-Benz importation.

Transport Canada Admissibility Listing Currently Not Available

If you are trying to import a vehicle from the US, you must first check the admissibility listing at Transport Canada's web site through www.riv.ca

At this time, Transport Canada is modifying its web site and the link to the list of admissible vehicles is not working. RIV informs us that this is a temporary issue and you will have access to the admissibility list shortly.

If you are in a hurry and would like to receive a copy by e-mail please telephone RIV at 888-848-8240.

Happy Holidays to all.

Import a Volvo from the US

Access Recall Information Online at Volvo.com

If you are importing a new or pre-owned Volvo vehicle from the US, you are able to review and print off recall clearance information from the Volvo Owners Info section on the corporate website.

To do so, you must register by entering your contact info and VIN number. You will then have access to all your vehicle information such as:

• Owner's Manuals
• A library of documents covering current and past models
• Service and maintenance information
• Warranty information
• Accessory information

You can choose to submit the recall information to RIV using the pre-clearance format indicated in the importing guide, or you may opt to wait until you vehicle is in Canada before providing this information to RIV.

For more information about importing a Volvo vehicle into Canada, read the UCanImport blog or visit UCanImport.com

Import a Vehicle from the US

Payment Options at CBSA

If you are importing a vehicle from the United States you will have to pay GST and duty (if applicable) at the Canadian port of entry. Your options include:

1. Certified cheque - any amount is accepted. Remember to make your certified cheque amount just less than you think your overall payment to CBSA will be, and make up any shortfall by using credit (up to $500), personal cheque (up to $2,500) or debit (unlimited).

2. Visa or MasterCard up to $500 at most ports, although some will accept more.

3. Personal cheque up to $2,500.

4. Debit card up to any amount.

If you are using a Customs broker to clear your vehicle through CBSA, you will make your payments to them in advance and they will pay CBSA on the date of importation.

To speak with a CBSA officer, call toll-free:

• Service in English:
  1 800 461-9999
• Service in French:
  1 800 959-2036

For all other expenses related to importing a vehicle from the US, please use the UCanImport worksheet provided within the importing guide.

Letter of Admissibility Fee Refunded

Informed Importer Receives Refund From BMW

Comments from UCanImport reader:

I am pleased to announce that I was able to get my $350.00 for the Letter of Admissibility refunded from BMW/ Mini.

After reading the UCanImport Blog, it prompted me to re-look at the RIV admissibility list and see the changes. Armed with the downloaded RIV info, and the fact that the Mini I am importing has not made it to the border yet, I contacted the issuing Mini dealer and stated that the letter is useless and I would like a refund placed on file towards my required modifications. They complied! The total mods are still going to be $1750.

Thanks for the new info on being able to get the Recall letter from a US dealer, that will save me another $500!!

I love this site!

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UCanImport says:

Congratulations on your savings! We are pleased to have been a part of your experience and thank you for sharing these valuable comments with our readers nationwide