[W1N]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by timgco:
So, here's a couple of questions:

WHen people import a car from the states to Europe, they pay a certain ammount to have it shipped and import taxes. How are these determined? Luxury Tax? Claisified by weight/ cost?

Next, is that why all the Italian/ German imports cost so much here in the states? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

If you take vehicle from US to EU (for example Finland, which is poor example because we have like the highest taxes on vehicles anywhere in the world):

1. Price of the vehicle in US
2. Shipping, insrance and the other staff related to shipping
3. Customs (Passenger Vehicles 10%, Heavy rated trucks 22% of the all of the previous added together)
4. Vehicle tax (Passenger Vehicles 22%, Heavy rated trucks 0% of the all of the previous added together)
5. Sales tax 22% of the all of the previous added together

The difference between different countries in Europe is pretty much in parts 4. and 5. In Central Europe those are less than in Finland.

If you take Vehicle from EU to US I believe there are some customs costs, but I think the main reason Italian and German cars are so expensive is that they all are branded luxury vehicles, which enables them to be placed in the higher pricing category. I mean looking at the pricing of SAAB, it is not really in line with similiar vehicles made in US. Only reason I can think of is the European status label on it. Personally I think SAABs have even never looked so good anyways.

Thanks for the contact info!