How do I import an Alphard Hybrid from Japan?

It does not happen all the time with European vehicles. What does happen sometimes is that you can buy a new US-spec BMW, for example, and elect European delivery. But all that means is that you are taking delivery of a US-spec car in Europe (instead of a US dealer) before shipping over to the USA. A car built for the USA is very different from a car built for Europe.

Any car you import would have to be proven to meet US federal motor vehicle safety requirements. A Japanese vehicle would definitely not demonstrate this compliance.

 

right, you can't have that evil EV switch, that's for rest of that evil world

 

Maybe you could just write to Toyota, Japan or America, and ask them.

When my grandgather bought his car in Europe, a travel agent pointed him in the right direction.

 

I've been lusting after this minivan for some time now and would also considering importing if it wasn't for the right-hand drive.
Check this out:
http://www.autogallery.com.hk/eproduct.php?id=312

Apparently, that Alphard is free. See the price: $0.
Also, they mispelled hybrid--"hybird." :lol:
I can almost smell the "new car smell" through my monitor looking at those pics.

Here is another link that has pricing:
http://www.batfa.com/new_car_toyota_alphard_g.htm
although, I didn't see the hybrid option in those prices I think if you hunted around or contacted those people you could get the info.

If Toyota is listening, PLEASE bring this minivan to the US!

 

Okay just found another Alphard site I had to share:
http://hokkaido-alphard.net/top.htm

This is the coolest looking minivan on the planet when you add those body kits.
Apparently, tricking-out minivans in Japan is a big thing there--well, bigger than in the US. I think these look waaay better than any pimped-out SUV I've ever seen. That's probably because the tech-look appeals to me much more that the muscle/tough look.

 

IMHO, there are two issues here.
Safety and emission.
Safety: Europe has stringent safety regulation compared with US. Therefore, most european cars can pass US safety test. However, less likely so for Japanese vehicles, even though they understand this issue and are improving it in this regard. (based on what I read at Japnese sites).
Emission: Europe emission control focus more on CO2, while US focus more on harmful emission such as NOx, etc. Therefore, not every European vehicles can pass US emission control. They have to be US-spec (it is a matter of tuning and CAT-design).

On top of that, it makes lot of difference whether you import a NEW vehicle or an used vehicle. I know for a fact that some shops in LA are selling Nissan GT-Rs (right-hand-drive). They have to be certified in US and modified in emissions to be US legal. The price easily doubles (compared with JDM version). However, my guess is that importing an used vehicle (after a period of time) may prove to be easier.

Just to contribute what I know.

 

I can't imagine this hybrid minivan not meeting US emission requirements. It's probably the cleanest minivan in terms of emissions in the world.

 

Here, found this article reviewing the Alphard:
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2003/11/09/172502.html

I think it was written in 2003 according to the link but should still be somewhat relevant. Here's the last paragraph:
"We didn't come close to Toyota's claimed mileage in our long weekend of city driving, but we still managed just under 10km for every liter of regular octane gasoline-about double what could be expected from the petrol versions. And don't forget, vehicles that fail to qualify for at least three stars on the government's new emissions rating system will incur penalty taxes from 2010. The ultra-green Alphard, of course, passed with flying colors."

 

I remember years ago there was a compnay by the Newark airport that did this. I remeber because i took a used car dealer down there to pick up a car that he had imported and this company did whatever it had to, to put it up to US specs and be able to get it licensed in the US. Man this had to be a good 15 years ago now, but I would think there are still companies that provide this service. Bet you have to have deep pockets though LOL

 

The problem with bringing one of these minivans to the US might not stop with the right-hand drive difference. Unless there is a easy way to select "English" instead of Japanese, you might have trouble with the MFD and Navigation.
I think different languages are selectable in the Prius but not sure if that is an option in the Alphard.

 

This looks like an amazing piece. I wondered why Toyota is not importing this in the States. It is smaller than the Sienna and it I think it will fit nicely in the lineup. It will blow the competition away since there is no hybrid minivan on the market right now or in the immediate future.

 

If Toyota does not import the Alphard to the US, they probably don't have technicians trained to maintain it (the Hybrid system may not be the same as that of the Prius). They may not have owner's or service manuals printed in English. They probably don't stock parts in this country.

If anything (even minor things) goes wrong, you might have a long wait for service.

Norm

 

Does this mean you can select Japanese in MFD of Prius? I am not aware of it?

Please clarify.

jeeeee

 

Do you know the following are available as standard in Alphard Hybrid?

1. Lane monitoring System
2. Cruise Control (Radar Cruise control)
3. Blind Corner Monitor and Side Monitor
4. Of course, the Reverse Monitor
5. 7 seater model or 8 seater models are available.

There is a 498 page document that explains the Alphard but all are in Japanese.

Cheers

jeeeeee at Tokyo/japan

 

Thanks for the link to that page. Man I like the Estima hybrid mini-van even better. We need that in the US! Toyota are you listening!

 

Estima Hybrid is due in Apr 2006. Already agents are flogging existing Estima users in Tokyo. The catalogue is available in Japanese, I believe.

Good luck to you if Toyota listens to this forum requests

jeee