importing question

[dawson-md]

Over on the FerrariList there has been quite an alarming turn of events in
the last week on this subject. Ferrari enthusiasts, like Audi enthusiasts,
want to import their favorite model, often unavailable in the USA. New car
buyers have to wait 12 - 15 months for delivery once their order, with
substantial deposit,  is placed. As expected this created a brisk market for
"selling one's place in line" and cars were being re-sold at a huge mark-up
upon delivery to the original buyer. Some dealers were found to be selling
their new stock to "valued customers" , buying them back and re-selling as
"used cars" at a huge increase over the original price. Ferrari Spa and the
importer Ferrari North America (FNA) were able to get the dealers in line
but people by-passing their business by importing non USA cars has remained
a thorn in their side. Owners of these cars have found themselves unable to
buy replacement parts or receive any warranty work (understandable IMO) once
the VIN was checked. As you may know, Ferrari maintains a legion of lawyers
to insure the exclusivity of their product and trademarks. Witness the many
kit car manufactures closed down for building replicas or even using
recognizable design characteristics from Ferrari cars. Their latest tactic
is an attempt to use the NTSB, DOT and EPA to not only stop the flow of
Ferrari cars not imported thru FNA, but to seize and crush (that's right-
seize and crush) any cars after a specific serial number that may be still
be in this country after an exportation deadline. One's first reaction is
generally "yea, right!" but they have made significant progress in their
quest. I can't think of any  bureaucrat from one of these agencies that
wouldn't love to send the SWAT team to some rich guy's house.
Link to the latest petition to the government by Ferrari
http://152.119.239.10/docimages/pdf69/136338_web.pdf

Mike
'83 UrQ
'84 4Kq
'87 5Ktq
'77 Ferrari 308 GT4 (USA spec)