What after-sales questions should importers ask before choosing Chinese car models?

Before committing to a Chinese car model, importers should ask these after-sales questions to ensure local support feasibility:

• Warranty coverage: What is the standard warranty (years/km) and does it apply in your country? Are parts and labor covered? Can warranty be extended?
• Local service network: Are there authorized service centers in your region? If not, can the brand train your technicians?
• Spare parts availability: What is the lead time for spare parts from China? Are there local distributors? Are critical parts (brakes, filters, sensors) stocked in advance?
• Technical support: Is remote diagnostics available? Are wiring diagrams and repair manuals provided in local language?
• Software updates: For EVs/PHEVs, how are OTA or dealer-applied updates managed? Is special equipment required?
• Recalls: How are recall campaigns handled? Who bears shipping costs for parts?
• Customer support: Is there a local language hotline or WhatsApp line?

Starvia can help answer these questions for each OEM partner. We also offer post-shipment support to bridge gaps until a local network is established.