I would love to be able to import an Audi A2 diesel into California. It is such an efficient vehicle, I am surprised that we don't see some enterprising individuals importing them. If they pass EU emissions standards, they must pass here?

Any thoughts?
http://www.greenconsumerguide.com/audi_a2_tdi.php

I agree with you, the A2 is great, but....forget it.

Without exaggerating, the requirements to import a car like this are onerous, which is why the gray market has been dead in the U.S. since the 1980s.

Basically unless you are a foreign diplomat or you are a scientist bringing the car over for research purposes-- you will have to provide at least two of them to the federal government for crash testing. Assuming it passes, then you need to get the 1.2 TDI motor to pass U.S. emissions standards and get it EPA certified for the U.S. Then you will need to replace the glass in all the windows with DOT approved glass, replace the headlights and turnsignals and add 5-mph bumpers--- and because there is no model of A2 sold in the U.S. or anything like it, none of those parts exist.

You don't see people importing cars like this here because the federal government makes the laws deliberately draconian to help protect the American auto industry. It forces car makers to make seperate models for the U.S. market rather than just importing whatever they want, easily and it also kills gray market imports.

There are companies that handle this sort of thing, if you really want to look into it further, you need to find a "registered importer" if by some freak chance someone else has already gone through the nightmare of red tape to get this car certified for U.S. roads, then some of the obstacles will have been handled for you already.

Here is a list of registered importers:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/web_RI_list01122006.html

The only way around these laws is if you are a foreign diplomat living in the U.S. or you are doing research or the car you are importing is an older one, like a classic 20-25 years old.

Sorry...

Did you tried the above link I think it might help you.Or else consult a transport dealer ,he will guide you.