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Grey Market Vehicles FAQs

Understanding Grey Market Vehicles: FAQs and Guidance

At Hyundai, our commitment to safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction doesn’t end at the showroom. Every vehicle we officially sell through our authorized distributors in Saudi Arabia is backed by rigorous testing, region-specific tuning, and dedicated after-sales support tailored to the Kingdom’s environment and standards.

Recently, we’ve seen a rise in Hyundai vehicles entering the Saudi market through unofficial channels. These vehicles are sourced from outside the GCC and are not built or configured for the KSA required certification (SASO).

While these vehicles may appear similar, they are often not built to withstand the GCC’s harsh climate, lacking essential adaptations like enhanced cooling systems and sand protection, which can lead to faster wear and performance issues.

In addition, grey market vehicles may not be covered by Hyundai’s manufacturer warranty and may not receive the same level of service support, software compatibility, or parts availability.

As a result, owners of these vehicles may face unexpected repair costs, feature limitations, and a lack of recourse when issues arise. We want to ensure that our customers have the full picture before making a purchasing decision.

When you choose to buy through our official network, you’re not just buying a car, you’re gaining access to a complete ownership experience:
o Trained technicians and genuine parts
o GCC-compliant safety and performance standards
o Regular updates and service support
o Peace of mind

We urge our customers to speak to one of our authorized distributors before purchasing. If you’re unsure about the origin of your vehicle or want to confirm coverage, our teams are ready to assist.

Protect your investment. Buy smart. Buy officially.

FAQ: Parallel Import / Grey Market Vehicles

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1. What is a parallel import or grey market vehicle?

A parallel import vehicle—also known as a grey market vehicle—is one that has been imported into a country or region through channels not authorized by Hyundai or its official distributor in that territory.

These vehicles were typically manufactured for sale in a different market and may therefore:
• Not comply with local safety, emissions, or certification standards.
• Lack compatibility with regional diagnostic systems or service tools.
• Not be eligible for warranty or service support, except where required by local law.

2. Can grey market vehicles be serviced at authorized dealerships?

Authorized service centers may, at their discretion, accept grey market vehicles for servicing.

However:
• They are not obligated to provide service or warranty support for such vehicles.
• Warranty coverage is not guaranteed, and any provision of warranty shall be subject to local mandatory laws and regulations.
• Parts compatibility or diagnostic support may be limited due to differences in vehicle configuration and market specifications.

In markets such as Saudi Arabia, service support may depend on SASO certification and related regulatory compliance.

3. What are the risks of buying a parallel import vehicle?

• Limited availability of spare parts.
• Potential incompatibility with local fuel, emissions, or software standards.
• The navigation system, telematics, and infotainment system depend on the vehicle's origin and cannot be updated to meet GCC specifications
• Resale value may be lower than vehicles sold through official channels.

4. How can I identify a parallel import vehicle?

Look for:
• A VIN or specifications that do not match local market standards.
• Missing official service records from regional dealers.
• An owner’s manual or labels in a foreign language.
• The original destination country listed on the build sheet.

We are always happy to guide you on your Hyundai journey, for more information on where and how you can have the best Hyundai experience, reach out to the authorized distributors in your region.

5. Will software updates or OTA features work on grey market vehicles?

In most cases, no:
• OTA (Over-the-Air) updates and connected services (such as telematics or infotainment updates) may not function properly or may be region-locked.
• The vehicle may not be eligible for future software updates or improvements.

6. What is the manufacturer's position on grey market vehicles?

• Manufacturers and authorized distributors do not recommend the purchase or import of grey market vehicles due to associated risks and lack of support, as these vehicles are not necessarily designed according to regional specifications.