GOVERNMENT restrictions on grey imports are to be subject to a judicial review after independent motor traders won the first round of a High Court action. The British Independent Motor Trade Association wants the current quota of 50 cars a year on any single model lifted, claiming it could save UK customers thousands of pounds by sourcing cars outside franchised dealer networks.

If the judicial review finds in favour of the BIMTA, it would open the floodgates to overseas imports, particularly from Japan and Ireland, which are already set to total 60,000 cars this year.

Manufacturers such as Mitsubishi, Mazda, Subaru and Toyota are strongly opposed to any increase in the import quota, arguing that the so-called grey cars may not meet European environmental or safety standards. They also warn customers that such cars may have been badly damaged in accidents and require different parts and skills to service and maintain, adding to their cost of ownership.