How to Purchase a Car From China

Americans have been hearing for years that Chinese automakers are about to invade the U.S. market, but as of late 2009 you couldn't find a Chinese car in your dealer showroom just yet. The global economic recession slowed down the Chinese automakers' plans, and if you wanted to buy a Chinese car you had to import it yourself.

Instructions

1

Identify Chinese vehicles that can be purchased in the United States. The Hummer is now a Chinese-owned brand. Other Chinese automakers have plans to sell cars directly in the United States, including BYD, which as of late 2009 was in talks to introduce its low-cost plug-in auto to big-box U.S. retailers.

2

Identify Chinese vehicles that can be imported into the United States. Some Chinese vehicles, such as those made by Great Wall Motor, Geely Automobile and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., have been imported in limited quantities. GS Motors sold its F1 Hatchback in Mexico for about $5,500 in late 2009. Whether importing from China or Mexico, you'd have to retrofit such a vehicle to make it comply with U.S. safety and emissions regulations.

3

Obtain all certificates and registrations required for an imported vehicle. For U.S. Customs clearance, you will need the original bill of lading, the bill of sale, foreign registration and any other documents covering the vehicle. You will also need written approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or manufacturer's proof that the vehicle meets all U.S. emissions requirements. You can avoid these regulations if you have purchased the car while working abroad or serving in the military.

4

Shipping charges and a 2.5% duty on all new cars will add considerably to the cost of importing a Chinese vehicle. Total extra costs for shipping and importing can equal the price of the car.