Date:         Thu, 5 Nov 1998 10:05:45 -0500
Reply-To:     Mark Gajewski <mgajewski@MANVILLERUBBER.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Gajewski <mgajewski@MANVILLERUBBER.COM>
Subject:      Re: Order an new Passat TDI from Canada and import to USA?
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Not sure if this has been answered yet...I believe for the last few years VW imports to North America all meet requirements across the continent be they Canadian (i.e.even US VW's get day time running lamps which are mandartory in Canada) or American (I think all also meet California/Northeast smog requirements, but
somebody correct me if I'm wrong).  This saves VW the trouble of outfitting vehicles differently for different markets in North America (a very small market for VW), all are outfitted to be sold across the continent.  So, I believe the TDI passat should technically meet all US regulations if currently being sold in
Canada, might have to change the speedo though?.  As for emissions regs. it's the same motor used in the beetle TDI which is available state side.  Whether the US authorities see it this way however, I don't know.  I like your thinking though, Michael cause it is a bummer if the TDI wagon doesn't ever make it here.  A
dealer told me they are selling wagons out as fast as they get 'em so there is no need to offer a TDI version right now :-(  Let me know if they sell a sycnro wagon TDI in Canada!
Mark

Michael Sullivan wrote:

> Dear Volks,
>
> I was rather upset that VW of America has apparently decided not to import the Passat TDI Wagon. It seems however, that this vehicle is available up north in Canada (they always get the best vehicles!). So, does it seem feasible to buy a "North Americanized" VW Passat TDI Wagon up there and then bring it down here?
>
> Has anyone done this? Any "gotchas?"
> (N.B. Massachusetts, where I live, has adopted California emissions standards, which "I think" still exempt diesels)
>
> Any information would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Cheers,
>
> Michael J. Sullivan
> Director of Catalog Design
> Open Market, Inc.
>
> '87 GL Syncro Westfalia
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