Import Hilux into the USA

[mmarlee]

Hi folks, great forum. It is my first day and first post here so in case I make a mistake please point it out.

In the interest of disclosure, I work for a Thailand based pickup truck exporter which is one of world's largest Hilux exporter. We get a lot of emails from Americans and Canadians who want to import a diesel Hilux in their countries. All we know is that it is going to be very difficult.

Is anyone aware of a theoretical scenario where a Hilux (Vigo) can be brought in without costing hundred of thousands of dollars in compliance work.

[fourwd1]

Most of us have no knowledge of everything involved .
There are exhaust emissions factors and safety factors to start with.
Trying to make a non-US vehicle US compliant can be a very difficult process.

[hansd007]

For the US, it will be almost impossible. Unless you find some loop-hole. Which will eventually be closed.

However, Canada would be a viable market for you if the vehicles are 15 years or older. So 1999-2000 models.

There are already several dealers in Canada importing Japanese cars.

Hope that helps.

[bluebug]

I, for one, would love to have a newer Toyota diesel pickup. I have a 1983 with a 2.4l (2L) diesel in it.
The barrier you are going to run into, until the law is repealed, is the 1963 "Chicken Tax".
Which imposed a 25 percent import duty on foreign-made light trucks in a retaliatory measure against West Germany and France after they imposed high tariffs on U.S. poultry imports. But in one of those quirks of foreign trade policy, even after the end of the Chicken War, the “chicken tax” remained in place. It’s why Volkswagen stopped selling its popular microbus in North America and is part of the reason the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger pickup trucks are not available in the U.S. market.
But the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) that the Obama administration is negotiating may remove this tax and allow more free trade.
Clark

[hansd007]

If you are looking for the ULTIMATE guide to import a foreign car into the US or Canada, check this out http://www.importinsider.net/2015/05...states-canada/

[Brian R.]

Personally, I wish Toyota would market a diesel engine in their trucks, including the 4Runner.