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China Rule Change Stymies Supercar Imports
Makers of supercars say they are struggling with a change in Chinese emission rules that has blocked sales, the Financial Times reports.
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Makers of supercars say they are struggling with a change in Chinese emission rules that has blocked sales, the Financial Times reports.
China’s pollution rules generally require cars to meet emission limits for 160,000 km (99,000 miles). Until this year, imports by so-called small-volume manufacturers (SVMs) have been exempt. That’s because owners typically drive such cars only about 5,000 km (3,100 miles) per year, making them negligible contributors to air pollution.
But such sellers as McLaren and Lamborghini tell FT that the exemption was unexpectedly withdrawn earlier this year, leaving the carmakers unable to deliver already-sold cars. The newspaper says diplomats are now getting involved.
Sources tell FT it will take as long as six months to conduct so-called “endurance tests” to certify the vehicles for sale. The U.K.’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is urging Chinese regulators to consider regulatory practices for SVMs in other markets.
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