More warnings on grey imports

Two weeks after Suzuki Australia warmed of the dangers of "grey import" outboards bought cheaply over the internet, the Outboard Engines Distributors Association (OEDA) has added its voice to the call.

OEDA says it is concerned about the potential safety and financial risks associated with the increasing number of outboard engines that are being imported into Australia outside the authorised dealer networks.

"What is happening is that people are finding great deals, usually via the internet, on engines which are being brought in from overseas," OEDA's executive officer Lindsay Grenfell says.

"Deals that look too good to be true usually are," added Grenfell.

He says OEDA's primary concern is customer safety as grey imports don't have the extensive pre-delivery programs, using specialised diagnostic equipment, carried out by authorised dealers.

"We don't want people taking their family to sea with engines which could have come from anywhere and which haven't been properly checked," Grenfell says. "There could be any number of serious issues."

He warns that buyers of engines not registered with authorised dealers could miss out on factory recalls and updates, leaving the engines at risk. He also warns that Grey imports are not covered by a manufacturer's warranty, so if the engine dies or falls apart the buyer has absolutely no comeback.
 
"OEDA members build excellent engines but that quality cannot be guaranteed if you buy an engine from a 'grey' importer," Grenfell says, "It leaves your safety at risk and it leaves you exposed financially."

Grenfell says the problem of grey or parallel imports has been around for some time but that it has become more widespread following the economic downturn in the US which has led to a significant increase in the amount of distressed stock on the international market.

"OEDA is urging anyone who is looking to buy an engine to ask a lot of questions to make sure they are buying from an authorised dealer who will be doing everything to ensure their safety," Grenfell says.