Porsche reacts to parallel import announcement
Decision to allow parallel imports "improper" says Porsche, warns consumers placed at riskPorsche Australia has warned consumers are risking their safety if they choose to privately import a vehicle.
The luxury car importer reacted angrily to the government's announcement that it would allow parallel imports from 2018, saying the decision will place consumers at risk.
"It's a complete knee-jerk reaction from the government, and one it clearly hasn't thought through. It's also one that's occurred entirely without consultation," stated Porsche Australia's Director of Public Relations and Motorsport, Paul Ellis.
"For the government to adopt a 'buyer beware' approach, really, is improper and not at all in the best interests of the consumer," Ellis added.
Ellis warns that privately imported vehicles will not be subject to the same "stringent legislation" as those imported and certified by licensed, factory-backed dealerships. He said there's a risk to not only vehicular operation, but also the safety of the owner, other road users and, indeed, vehicle technicians.
"Simply, this decision means there's now no protection available to the consumer," he emphasised.
"Motor vehicles that are brought in to this country have very specific elements that make them suitable for driving in this country, and because we have not sold that vehicle in Australia, a privately imported car will not be captured in our database.
"If there is a recall, or a safety campaign related to that vehicle, it cannot be identified, and that's a significant safety issue.
"No-one knows if these vehicles are compliant... and if there's an issue, we cannot rectify it. There is zero warranty on any vehicle that we do not officially import and sell through our licensed retail network, and we have no obligation on the warranty of privately imported vehicles," he cautioned.
Ellis went on to warn that servicing could present its own dangers, emphasising the lack of thought and consultation surrounding the government's announcement.
He said that decisions such as today's announcement need to be made in consultation with importers to protect not only the consumer, but technicians and mechanics as well.
"Think about hybrid vehicles, and the technician working on that vehicle. You need specially trained technicians to work on that kind of motor car. Now, you could have the situation where there's a vehicle here being worked on by a technician that is not trained on that vehicle who is at significant risk of being injured, if not killed, because of the high voltages of that vehicle," he stressed.
Porsche Australia indicated that the abolition of the luxury car tax would allow buyers to more readily access high-end vehicles and negate the risks associated with private imports.
"If the government is serious about making motor cars, especially high-end motor cars like the Porsche, more affordable to the consumer, then why doesn't the government abolish the luxury car tax?" he questioned.
"In the case of the new Carrera S we could wipe off $45,000 of the sticker price overnight if LCT is eliminated. This would provide consumers with significant discounts from the pricing of a motor vehicle while ensuring their safety isn't jeopardised," he said.
Related Reading:
>> Official: Government approves parallel imports
>> Auto industry blindsided by parallel import decision
>> Porsche reacts to parallel import announcement
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