Has anyone imported a Diesel Smart???

[fielddominance]

Hello Guys,

I am in need of a new Diesel Smart for use as a Bio-Fuel test vehicle... Has anyone imported one into the US or know of anyone that has one for sale???

Thanks in advance.
P

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by fielddominance

Hello Guys,

I am in need of a new Diesel Smart for use as a Bio-Fuel test vehicle... Has anyone imported one into the US or know of anyone that has one for sale???

Thanks in advance.
P

SORRY, not importable at this time!

[JPaul]

Aside from some 450, it's going to be a challenge to find a diesel:

Originally Posted by Archie

There's currently just the one (normally aspirated Mitsu) engine for the North American market. Diesel powered 451s are not available in Canada.

Arch

If you try to import from Europe, the administrative hurdles (EPA to name just one) are very difficult, costly and maybe even unacceptable, unable to meet the stringent US homologation requirements.

[Turbo42]

i agree i have only seen one diesel in the us and the guy was vacationing from canada

[jwight]

It may be possible for him to bring one into the country as a test vehicle for his purposes; he'd have to contact the DOT and EPA for details. The usual deal is the car is brought in under some sort of bond and then has to be exported or destroyed at the end of the agreed upon period, or the bond is forfeited.

[Alchemy R]

Here's the page you need. Gray Market Internet

There's one in TN that's all legal.

[smarticus]

Until the wrong person in the right place reads about it.

[jwight]

Originally Posted by fielddominance

Hello Guys,

I am in need of a new Diesel Smart for use as a Bio-Fuel test vehicle... Has anyone imported one into the US or know of anyone that has one for sale???

Thanks in advance.
P

This may help:

RESEARCH, INVESTIGATION, DEMONSTRATION, TRAINING, OR RACING

A vehicle may be imported for research, investigation, demonstrations or training, or competitive racing events. Unless the importer is a manufacturer that certifies vehicles as complying with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards, the importer must obtain prior approval from NHTSA. An application form to obtain this approval can be downloaded at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/...g/box7form.pdf. When completed, the application form, with substantiating information, should be faxed to 202-366-1024. If you have questions or need further details, please call 202-366-5291 or 202-366-5323.

The importer must attach a copy of the NHTSA permission letter and the importer's substantiating statement to the HS-7 Declaration form. Use Box 7 on HS-7 Declaration form.

From the gray market Internet url above.

[stimbox]

tinyurl.com/5s35be

Here's a post on the MBUSA forum where he describes his process.

Good luck!

[curtis]

how about buy diesel in Canada and a totaled 451 in the USA and register the diesel with the 451 papers, I know it's not legal but don't you think it would work? I have done similar things with motor scooters