Is importing a WOELCKE AUTARK Explorer (FUSO based) from Germany possible ?

[YellowCow]

Hi,

I am following the site and forums quietly, learning a lot, and getting ready to make the big move of eventually buying a vehicle.
After a lot of consideration I like the FUSO based approach. I have visited EarthCruiser and really like their design and quality - but - we are thinking of taking off for longer periods of time, not just for short camping trips and would like a little more luxury and space inside the vehicle, without having to go to a bigger base-model, like a UNIMOG.
There are many alternatives out there that I like, MAN, MERCEDES, IVECO that I like ... but - unfortunately all out of reach due to stupid import restrictions.

We really like the WOLCKE AUTARK Explorer, which is FUSO based: http://www.woelcke.de/prospekte.html.

So this is what I was thinking - since the same FUSO model is also available for purchase in the US, I am wondering if it would be possible to import and register a German FUSO based truck in the U.S., since the vehicle is legal in the US and can be purchased in the U.S.
I know about the 25 year rule. I am wondering if it is possible to import a german car that is also legal with the same specifications in the U S.
Am I wrong? Does anyone have experience with a similar scenario.

In case importing the original German vehicle would not be possible, I thought of another alternative:
- Buying a FUSO in the US, registering it here
- Shipping it to WOELCKE in Germany,
- Have WOELCKE add the camper (I checked with them - and they could do that)
- Have it shipped back to the US

It seems very cumbersome and probably cost prohibitive - but I wanted to check if anyone has experience with a similar scenario.

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[charlieaarons]

Yes, I bought a US spec Unimog U500 and shipped it to Unicat and they put a camper on it. You will have to pay 2.5% duty on the camper.

Charlie

 

[mhiscox]

There is a way to get a "matching" model vehicle imported legally into the United States, but it works for only a small number of vehicles where the manufacturer petitioned the US NHTSA saying that the imported model "is substantially similar to a motor vehicle of the same model year that was manufactured for sale in the United States and certified by its manufacturer as complying with all applicable FMVSS and 2) is capable of being readily altered to comply with all applicable FMVSS."

In practice, this works mostly with older vehicles (from less-regulated times) already pretty close to the 25-year-exemption limit, or vehicles from Canada. The details, along with the list of vehicles for which this exemption applies, are here:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/elig010807b.htm

Not surprisingly, European Fusos aren't on the list.

However, the idea of exporting a US-legal truck for camper installation is, as Charlie points out, perfectly sound. You can get an idea of the shipping costs involved by using the free quote feature at this website:

http://www.shipoverseas.com/

If you do proceed with the plan, I'm sure I'm not the only one who would be very interested in your experiences. From what I saw in the web brochure, you seem to have found a very nice cabin, and it'd be great if you'll let us know how it all goes, should it happen.

 

[YellowCow]

Thanks for the quick reply!
Dirk

 

[YellowCow]

Thanks for the quick reply - In case i pull through with this, I will post my experience to the portal.

Dirk

 

[YellowCow]

Hi Charlie,

So did you have to register & insure the truck here in the U.S. before shipping it to Germany and keep it registered and insured in the US for the entire time it was in Germany?
Did it have to get registered in Germany at all before shipping it back to the US or was it just trucked/towed to the harbor for shipment back to Germany.
I talked to UNICAT before and they seem to be more experienced with this process - WOELCKE does not seem to have as much experience with this and I doubt they have ever dealt with a scenario like this.

 

[charlieaarons]

I registered it in Alaska "long distance", it got turned around on the East Coast. It stayed registered here the whole time - from Jan 2006 till we picked up in July 2006. Then we drove it to Morocco and back and then Unicat shipped it to Jacksonville and I picked it up in late Sept. 2006.
Even when the truck was in Australia Sept 2010 thru Feb 2012 it stayed registered in Alaska.
Why would one have to truck or tow it to the port? There's no law against having a US spec and registered vehicle in Europe, just like there no law against having a euro spec and registered vehicle in the US (for less than 1 yr).
And the laws against keeping an "alien" vehicle in the EC, USA or Australia for no more than 1 year (or 6mos in the case of EC) are not strictly enforced - they don't chase you down.
If you try to REGISTER an "alien" vehicle in another continent, that is where they will stop you. Fortunately I live in a state where they do not require vehicle inspections for re-registration or even original registration. Lots of people up here buy vehicles in other states or Canada and need AK plates to drive them or ship them home.
I looked at Woelcke's site. spend the $ and have them add a 2spd transfer case and 255/100R16 XZLs, if the "Pfau Protos C80B" is a modification kit for the Canter/Fuso, which I think it is. Also get the front diff lock. Mitsubishi in its' "wisdom" didn't choose to include a low range with their latest version of the Fuso.

Charlie

 

[Haf-E]

Just because the same vehicle is offered in the US and Europe doesn't mean they are the same - there usually are small differences between them in things like glass, bumpers, headlights, emissions system and, now days, in the programming of the computers which do engine management etc.

I would just buy one here and ship it over. Then use it a bit in Europe before returning. You might even come out ahead as new vehicle prices in Europe may be higher than you would find here. In the long run, if you plan on keeping and using the vehicle in mostly NA you would be better off when it comes to servicing and resale, etc.

 

[haven]

Unless you plan to pick up the vehicle in Europe like Charlie did (a great way to see the Continent!), you might inquire if Woelcke would ship the cabin to USA so you could install it locally. I think the model you're interested in would fit into a shipping container if attached to a couple of pallets.

 

[YellowCow]

Hi Charlie,

Thanks - I just was not sure if the Germans ( i am actually originally from Germany would give you trouble with driving a US registered car around on the Autobahn without getting it through the German TUV - thats why I asked if it had to be trucked to Woelcke and back for shipment to the US.
I was thinking of starting the same way you did and do some trips in Europe/Africa before shipping it to the US
Thanks also for the advise on the transfer case and tires. In addition i was also thinking about the low sulfor issue and considering an older FUSO base model.
My favorite is still UNICAT - I am sure you can save yourself a lot of headaches going with this brand.
Do you still have your rig?

Thanks
Dirk

 

[YellowCow]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply - i thought about this option, but then there is much more to just building the cab. If you have it installed by a 3rd party here in the US, you have to pay every etra penny to get the entire thing finished - example would be things that had to be fitted to the chassis, camper to cabin walkthrough, suspension adjustemts, different rims etc.
Also - I would like to test out all the appliances (fridge, electrical, oven, heater, solar, etc. and be able to claim warranty issues while at least being on the same continent.
Thanks
Dirk

 

[YellowCow]

Ok - this is my last stupid question regarding this topic - and I am sure it might have already been answered on this forum and it is probably not an option:
Is it possible to get a german vehicle, import it to the US, drive it here during the one year limit and the just drive it across the border to Canada or Mexico and back to get another one year to drive it legally in the US?
I am sure US customs has this covered and it's not - possible - but before going through the hassle (& cost) of the other options, I want to at least ask if someone has tried this.

Thanks again for spending the time to provide feedback!
Dirk

 

[mhiscox]

I dealt with this five or so years ago when I was interested in a Canadian Unimog U140L. I got the very strong impression that it was "one and done." The official wording reads:

• Nonresidents may import a vehicle duty-free for personal use up to (1) one year if the vehicle is imported in conjunction with the owner's arrival. Vehicles imported under this provision that do not conform to U.S. safety and emission standards must be exported within one year and may not be sold in the U.S. There is no exemption or extension of the export requirements.

The part about "There is no exemption or extension . . ." seems to rule out your plan, and I was told that it was a simple thing for CBP to check the VIN in their computers to see if you'd used up your year.

The situation could have changed, or perhaps not be rigorously enforced, but given the trend of border security measures, I doubt it.

One other thing to consider is that you might someday want to sell your truck in the US, and if it has not been imported legally, a lot of buyers will not want it, due to the difficulty of registering an imported vehicle in many states if you do not have the Customs importation document.

Good luck.

 

[justincwatt]

Hey YellowCow, did you ever make any headway with your FUSO-based Woelcke project?

Before stumbling upon this thread, it had never occurred to me that it might be possible to buy a Fuso in the US, ship it to Germany, and then ship it back, to get around the vehicle import restrictions. It's a very enticing idea...I'm just concerned that a Fuso might be a little big for my immediate plans. I wonder if they could do the same with a 4x4 Sprinter van?

 

[Victorian]

You could certainly buy a Sprinter Cab Chassis here (only available in 2wd) and ship it to Germany for conversion. While you are at it, get a 4x4 system from Igelhaut!