Good day.

I am looking for some help. I live in LA and I'm looking for a Hiace camper. Now - I find out that not only are there no Hiace campers...there are no Hiaces in the US at all! So, really, two questions: First, how do I get one and one that meets California emission standards. And secondly, why isn't the Hiace sold in the US. GM and Ford afraid?

Thanks for the help.

Bob

Hi Bob,

I'm no expert on the US, but I believe that Toyota only sells a limited range of vehicles into there due the competition from the larger vehicle manufacturers. The Hiace is not a big van - and it seems to me that Americans like BIG vehicles.
Toyota may have done some market research and discovered that the Hiace just wouldn't sell there.

As for one that meets the US emission standards, I think you'd need to get some data from Toyota on the emission levels from the various Hiaces that they sell and submit them to whoever the ruling body is over there. They'd then be able to tell you if a particular vehicle meets the requirements.
The other possibility is they may already have done the research and have a document that lists what vehicles meet the standards and what ones don't.

I'd contact the bureau in the first instance and make some enquiries. Then, if they tell you that the X model Hiace meets their levels then you can safely go about trying to import one without fear of it being rejected at the border.

Hiace 4x4,

Thanks for the ideas. I'll noodle around with the Department of Motor Vehicles to see if they have a list of approved vehicles...had not thought of that. I know they sell the Hiace in Mexico - only a few hours from here. Thanks, and I will post what I learn.

Best,

Bob

http://www.toyota.com.mx/modelos_specs/hia...rior_hiace.aspx

Good luck (IMG:style_emoticons/default/s12.gif)