Sun International has more than 25 years of experience in all areas of the automobile business and related topics, specializing in problem solving for "niche" and small volume specialty vehicles that are not available in the US through the original manufacturer. We can provide solutions for: importing, EPA, CARB, DOT, engineering, marketing, promotion, sales, after sales, warranties, spare parts, performance parts, long term support, etc. It's our art form.

     Some examples of our specialty vehicles and small volume programs: BMW Alpina, Ferrari 512 BB, 400i, Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, Porsche 959, Renault 5 Turbo, Ford RS 200, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, etc. This type of vehicle is not available through the original manufacturer because it is impractical for the manufacturer to accomplish the US homologation / Certification for such a small volume and / or to provide all of the related support services including long term after sales support that would normally be provided for larger volume vehicles. We can provide all of the support or advise on the vehicle program solutions.

     If your company wants solutions to automobile import, marketing, sales, distribution, promotion, engineering, Certification for US specifications, small volume vehicle programs, spare parts, etc. we can provide the complete solution or advise and help your company to develop all or any part of your program.

Sun International is or has experience as:

• an approved EPA and CARB "small volume manufacturer,"
• DOT Registered Importer,
• EPA ICI;
• licensed Vehicle Manufacturer.

We can provide access to vehicle import services including Customs Broker, legal, bonding, Registered Import (DOT) and ICI (EPA).

When contacting us for consulting please consider the following:

• What does your company want to accomplish with what vehicle(s)?
• What is / are the problem(s) to solve?
• What is your present background knowledge and experience with this topic?
• What would you like us to do for your company?

Send e-mail to: sir@suninternational-usa.com or fax USA 310 / 546-1343

In the meantime, you may want to contact: the manufacturer's US representatives, US Customs, EPA and DOT directly, also your state's DMV (and CARB if you live in California).

If you would like to import your own personal vehicle which will require services of a Registered Importer and Independent Commercial Importer, we strongly recommend that first you contact several representatives of the manufacturer to possibly obtain specific information regarding the difference between your present foreign vehicle and the manufacturer's US version of that model. In some cases the manufacturer has been able to supply an actual list of necessary modifications. Keep in mind that it is not always seen as in the manufacturers best interest to supply this information as it may be seen as a lost sale through the US importer. Nevertheless, it is worth your effort to try for this information. 

AutoWeek June 10, 1991

When you contact the various RI's and ICI's ask them specifically if they already have experience making your make and model vehicle in compliance with US Standards. If they already have experience with your vehicle then they can give you references and quote price, time and specifics.

US Customs:                          Importing a Car
Request information and forms from the nearest office, from embassies and consulates abroad,
or write to: Customs, P.O.  Box 74707, Washington, D.C. 20044
Duty Rate for imported automobiles: 2.5% of the declared value.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Tel. USA 202 564-9660  This number has an excellent fax back service for obtaining forms and detailed explanations of the EPA regulations.

Department of Transportation (NHTSA / DOT)                             Vehicle Import Regulations

California Air Resources Board (CARB) Smog Check ; tel. 800 / 952-5210;
or contact your local Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR)

Mercedes Benz Product Compliance - US (201) 573-0600

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