Nissan, Two Thumbs Down for Grey Market Imports!

The Skyline GT-R has been released! But only in Japan for the time being. Of course, Japan always gets the newest gadgets first. Super Famicom, Playstation, Playstation Portable, and every cool Japaneese performance car is sold in Japan first. I don't blame them, if I lived in the land of cool technology I would like to have access to all the products I want first. This definitely sounds upsetting to people outside of Japan that can't wait and have the money to import all the cool goodies Japan has to offer, including the new R35 Skyline GT-R.

The Europeans live for their fast cars, and there are a great of them that can afford to buy the Skyline GT-R at sticker cost plus heavy importation fees. It rings true all over the world to have the coolest goodies before your friends(competition) has them.

Nissan Motor Company has released a statement of intent to "crack" down on the GT-R importers all over the world, and their reason "Copyright Infringement." It makes sense. Grey market cars do not usually meet safety/emission laws of the countries that they are imported to. Also having these cars cannibalizes local dealerships that will eventually stock these cars. The UK plans to sell the R35 for 60K GBP, where as in the Japanese will be selling domestically for 32K GBP. I would be angry too!





GT-R Enemy Number 1, Gary "Twit" Frigo.

This is what Gary Frigo of Nissan (UK) has to say about this matter :

"We have been made aware of a significant increase in activity in the import trade of certain vehicles, particularly the Nissan GT-R, which warrants immediate action."

Mr.Frigo aka Mr. Non-Party says that the start of sales in the UK will be in March 2009 to have the right support and parts for the GT-R. Until then any greay market vehicles will not have manufacturer's warranty. Fair enough. But why does he have to be such a downer about it?


Jeremy Clarkson - Top Gear
"The GT-R hasn't just moved the goalposts, it's obliterated them. For all-round ability, I have no doubt the Nissan is the best car I have ever driven."