Suzuki warns on grey imports

Grey imports have long been a part of the local motor vehicle market. They started with the private importation of second hand Rolls Royce and Bentley cars from the UK in the 1970s and boomed in the late 1980s when the Japanese started building hot coupes and sedans for their home market.

Local revheads who want hot vehicles not imported into Australia by the local distributors buy second hand cars at auction in Japan, import them privately and have them modified to meet local road rules. They tend to be far cheaper than similar cars that were first sold here.

Now the market for grey imports has moved to outboard motors -- mostly bought over the internet.

Haines Suzuki Marine, the only Australian authorised distributor of Suzuki outboards through Suzuki Marine Australia, have been forced by the number of grey import outboards now available in Australia to point out that these engines cannot be covered by Australian warranty and that they cannot provide free technical support or warranty repair to those boaters who buy these engines.

Haines Suzuki says there are too many unknowns associated with these grey outboards. The standards of storage and transport are often highly questionable and there is also the possibility that the engines have been refurbished.

They warn that unless potential buyers see the Australian compliant C-Tick, that is required on all Australian outboards by law, they cannot be sure the motor is compliant with local laws and this may cause problems in the event of an insurance claim.

They recommend that potential buyers make enquiries with their insurance company before making any purchase.

Haines Suzuki also warns that manuals may be in foreign languages, the manuals may specify the incorrect oil for Australian and New Zealand conditions and that under Australian law the grey "importer" is solely responsible for all warranty claims.

Despite all these warnings, Suzuki Australia says it is still able to perform fully paid for service and repair work on grey imports.