Jan
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Loading ...It is important to realize that not all vehicle makes, models or options are available globally. Certain auto manufacturers may only offer specific makes or models, or choose to sell the same (or very similar) vehicle under a different make or model name depending on the country. These decisions are usually influenced by which vehicles are most popular or practical or which names are most favourably perceived by the consumers in that particular local market.
Obvious differences can even be found between vehicles sold in Canada and the USA. For example, the Buick Allure in Canada is being sold as the Buick LaCrosse in the United States. But there are other differences that may be more subtle. In advertising, there is often a footnote that indicates it is the USA model being featured because some aspect of the vehicle may not be available elsewhere. So what should you look for?
Be aware of potential Canada/USA differences regarding:
- available makes;
- model offerings or names;
- standard or optional equipment, accessories and/or trim levels;
- government safety or environmental standards, ratings and/or rebates;
- imperial versus metric units of measurement (such as when comparing sizing, fuel consumption, acceleration or warranties);
- pricing, taxes and freight fees;
- manufacturer discounts or incentives.
So when it comes to researching vehicle specifications or reviews on the Internet, in magazines or on television, be sure to check the source’s country of origin so that you will be able to accurately compare the presented information. For simplicity, you may wish to focus your research on Canadian sources for the most pertinent information.