Vehicles that come into the country through non-authorised channels (in the case of a Porsche, a vehicle not imported by Porsche New Zealand) are called “grey market imports”. Most are used vehicles which come into the marketplace from a variety of sources; recently the majority of late model vehicles have come from the United Kingdom. However, there are also vehicles coming in from other markets. These vehicles therefore fall outside of the Official Porsche Centre Network.
2. Why are they coming to New Zealand?
The New Zealand Government allows parallel imported goods to enter the country. A parallel import is a non-counterfeit product imported from another country without the permission of the intellectual property owner (Porsche New Zealand). However, this may mean that the imported goods can be of lower specification to that of the New Zealand level, some vehicle features may not operate correctly and that full “After Sales Support” of the Porsche brand may not be available to that vehicle.
3. Who can bring cars into the country and what experience is needed?
Both private individuals and licenced motor vehicle dealers can import varying quantities of vehicles – there are regulations that govern both. However, no experience is needed and no on-going support is required after the initial sale to a local buyer. The authorised Porsche New Zealand Importer is European Motors Limited – Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand.
4. Are grey imported vehicles the same as the ones imported by the Porsche New Zealand Importer?
Grey imports may have some functionality that does not work in New Zealand and their level of standard specification is generally below that of a New Zealand new vehicle (NZ new). You may find that grey imports require additional options to be added to bring the import up to an equal comparison of a NZ new vehicle. As grey imported vehicles fall outside of the New Zealand Official Porsche Centre Network, this sometimes can lead to parts and servicing issues due to varying model specifications in different markets.
5. Is, or has the vehicle (grey import) been registered overseas?
Any vehicle imported must be registered in its country of origin (first categorising it as a used import), therefore aligning the New Zealand customer as the next owner of that vehicle. All NZ new vehicles are unregistered before sale. Therefore making the first purchaser the first owner of that vehicle within the New Zealand Market.
6. What are the warranty implications for imported vehicles?
All new Porsche vehicles come with a minimum of 2 years new vehicle warranty from the date of initial registration which will be honoured locally. Any additional service or extended warranty programs may not covered locally, if this is the case any claims under those policies should be directed back to the original vehicle importer. All NZ new vehicles have a full 3 year warranty with Macan, Cayenne & Panamera models additionally having a 2 year Service Plan, fully covered by the New Zealand Official Porsche Centre Network with no cost to the customer.
7. What are the service implications for imported vehicles?
All imported vehicles require standard servicing and maintenance items as per the service handbook. This cost is handled by the owner directly. NZ new Macan, Cayenne & Panamera models have a full 2 year service and maintenance plan as standard, with no charge to the original retail customer.
8. What about recall and service campaigns?
Imported vehicles will be included in any manufacturer recall and service campaigns, only if the vehicle is known to exist in the local market. All NZ new vehicles will automatically be covered under any manufacturer programmes and all costs will be covered.
9. Will imported vehicle satellite navigation systems work in New Zealand?
Depending on the grey import sourced, the vehicle may have a navigation system. However, these systems will not work in New Zealand and may not be able to be retrofitted. This may also apply to other systems & features that are location / market specific and do not work / work correctly when the vehicle is not originally manufactured for use in the New Zealand market. Where applicable NZ new vehicles do have localised navigation systems and regular updates.
10. As a customer am I protected under the Consumer Guarantee Act?
Yes, you are if you have purchased the vehicle from a licenced vehicle trader. If you purchased from a private importer, then you are not covered by the Act. All NZ new vehicles imported by Porsche New Zealand are supported by the New Zealand Official Porsche Centre Network, Porsche AG and New Zealand Legislation.
11. Do imported vehicles hold their value in the New Zealand marketplace?
NZ new vehicles generally have a higher level of specification compared to the rest of the import market. Naturally this may reduce the market value on imported vehicles vs. NZ New vehicles.
12. Can I still have my imported vehicle serviced by a Porsche Dealership?
Yes. The New Zealand Official Porsche Centre Network can still assist in maintaining and servicing your Porsche. When servicing your vehicle at an Porsche Centre, you can have peace of mind that genuine parts will be fitted and professionally trained technicians are carrying out work on your car with the latest tools and technology.
For further information, please contact:
Porsche Sales Department
E: sales@giltrapporsche.co.nz
P: 09 920 0911