American Vehicles in the UK

1) HISTORY

Over 50 years track record of left hand drive American cars in UK independently imported.

- Presence of American servicemen since 2nd world war-Mildenhall, Lakenheath plus other US bases
- Special transatlantic relationship-240,000 Americans living in UK
- Holidays and travel to USA-stimulated desire to own unique vehicle-individual vehicle purchases
- Fascination with Americana in UK society-movies, TV, clothing, food, etc
- Enthusiast left hand drive purchase-hobby/pastime vehicles-or specific application-Vans/full size pickups
- Tiny volumes imported singly into UK(never in a batch)-probably <500 in total but a maximum of 1000 per year
- Do not need numerical limit as numbers self-limiting due to LHD. Only dedicated enthusiasts will own one.
- These enthusiast single LHD imports are hardly affected by exchange rates. These vehicles are not bought on price.
- All these vehicles meet FMVSS/CMVSS standards-no evidence of any adverse safety issues in UK in last 50 years
- Appreciation needed by European Commission that these cars, not undermining Type Approval, cannot be re-designed.
- Independent support network of Businesses and Clubs ensures vehicle maintenance and safety for consumers
-Respect needed by European Commission for the technical limitations/realities of the micro businesses in this niche
industry
- Extending back to pre-war, Model T's Buicks, Hudsons manufactured in UK, Lincolns & AMC's sold here
- This is not a new industry-there is a track record of professionalism and safety
- Society at large has never been adversely affected by the presence of these vehicles on UK roads
- Unique vehicle types/models/names not sold in UK-conversion vans, mustangs, pickups, dodge, muscle cars etc
- These vehicles are not, have never been, nor ever will be "orphan" cars in the UK
- >100 micro long-standing businesses have developed to support this tiny niche industry

2) NO MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATION

- Vehicle models/types/ranges imported are not produced in right hand drive and Type Approved.
- Introduction of ECWVTA RHD model eliminates demand for LHD non type-approved version. Eg: Cadillac Seville
- Single vehicles imported do not undermine Type Approval as they are only speciality LHD, one-off enthusiast vehicles
- As they are left hand drive singly imported and are not type approved, they can only be imported without type approval
- Left hand drive characteristic means there is no prospect of volume sales of ANY model.
- Kit cars, amateur built, re-built and VLV vehicles do not undermine type approval-they improve consumer choice
- We need appreciation by European Commission of similarity of status with Kit , amateur built, re-built & VLV cars
- Volumes are too low + evidence of safety in UK too convincing for technical standards to be used as control mechanism
- Additional technical requirements will result in elimination of consumer choice and destruction of businesses
- European Type Approval standards only relevant for volume imports competing/undermining with EU manufacturers
- Debates about equivalence of US standards only proportionate & relevant if imports were volume RHD-they are not
- Existing National IVA test gives thorough assessment of the design of each single import in a proportionate way
- Every LHD American import new or used is perceived and considered as a "classic" in the UK
- Consumer awareness for American vehicles promoted in UK Trade magazines and Club publications
- Insurance, warranties, parts, servicing, finance, sales business all exist without manufacturer representation
3) BUSINESSES/ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED AND SERVICES UNDERTAKEN

-Import Businesses and Sales Businesses-circa 40

- history of unofficial co-operation between US manufacturers UK representatives and import agents
- professional import services including brochures, pricing, product information, liaison with America/Canada
- sourcing of bespoke individual vehicles for end-user-very low volume in total and ultra low volume per model
- shipping services-roll on-roll off, container, marine insurance, customs clearance.
- conversion of lighting to meet UK conventions plus other issues in National IVA
- “underwrite” service for UK mainstream RHD car dealers by buying back their LHD American trade-ins
- liaison with and assistance to HM Customs and Excise for trade valuations for vehicles entering the UK

-Service Businessess(exclusively American)-circa 30

-latest US computer diagnostic, reprogramming, equipment
-USA service equipment and knowledge in UK
-dedicated professionals ensuring that safety of vehicles is maintained
-qualified mechanics and service personnel, many approved by AA and RAC
-endless experience on vehicle maintenance available free of charge through speciality clubs

-Parts Suppliers- circa 20

-mobile glass and tyre suppliers with replacement parts in stock
-extensive network of parts stockists all over UK with direct links to OEM and replacement parts in US
-weekly containerised parts shipments plus overnight courier parts services from USA
-speciality after-market accessory manufacturers products represented by UK companies

-Insurance Companies-circa 10
-leading Lloyds syndicates and major Insurance companies such as Norwich Union have always insured these vehicles
-insurance claims have always been paid-even though cars are not type approved
-insurance rates very cheap because 1) Virtually no car theft of these left hand drive vehicles or from these vehicles
2) Most vehicles owned by enthusiast owners who “cherish” their vehicles
3) Long history of very low “claims to premium ratio” of mechanical warranties

-Finance Houses
-leading financial institutions have financed or re-financed these individual vehicles competitively.
-Residual values no problem for finance institutions because of dependable buy-back arrangements with specialist dealers

-Warranty Suppliers
-Various leading UK after-market insurance warranties offered for American vehicles by professional import agents.
- Independent service garages and franchised dealers undertake warranty work.
- Recall information provided by US/Canadian/dealers to Import Agents passed on to purchasers in UK

-Specialist American Vehicle Clubs-circa 50

- 50 or so active American Car Clubs in UK- with circa 15,000-20,000 members nationwide.
- regular meetings, shows, rallies to promote hobby of owning American vehicle.
- American vehicles create healthy hobby/activity/pastime for a significant number of individuals/families
- the hobby is supported by devotees/purists-hence only true American spec unmodified LHD vehicles of interest.
- Diverse appeal –all income/social groups drawn together by exclusive/unique characteristics of these vehicles