Be sure to purchase cargo insurance (all-risk or water damage insurance). In case of damage, claim with the bill of lading, insurance policy, and proof of damage at the destination port.

Yes. For hybrid vehicles, technicians will conduct forced switching tests between EV (electric) and HEV (hybrid) modes, focusing on the sensation of clutch engagement and reading the hybrid system's specific fault codes to ensure the complex dual power system operates correctly.

This is one of the most common post-export surprises, so verify before buying. OTA updates: most Chinese brands push updates to cars registered on domestic servers. Many exported cars continue receiving updates normally, but some brands restrict updates by VIN region once the car leaves China. Ask the seller to confirm the update history and whether the brand officially supports your destination region. Some grey-import cars are stuck on the firmware version they left with. Companion apps: the factory app usually requires a Chinese phone number and a domestic account. After export, remote functions (preconditioning, charging status, location) often stop working or require workarounds. Some owners re-register via third-party services, but this is unofficial and can break at any time. Practical advice: before purchase, get the seller to show a screenshot of the car's current software version and connected services status. Factor in that you may lose remote features permanently, and check whether local dealers or independent shops can perform diagnostics and updates without the official app.