I actually called him up the other day, seemed like a nice guy? I told him there's a lot of speculation as to the legitimacy of this... He assured me the trucks are to arrive end March and we will be seeing pictures on top of Pikes Peak... I'll believe when I see it.
Well John Papp seems to be a lawyer... very good a deflecting, dodging answers to questions, etc.
Hi Ralf - Welcome to MUDville, I hope you have a great time as part of this community. It is a great place to learn, make friends and do business. Like any good community, club or church, all are welcome here. I cannot speak for others, but in spite of my skepticism and sarcastic comments, I wish the promoter good luck and success - if his offer is not a scam.
As you have noted in your MUD posts from Ontario, it is easy to import a non-compliant Land Cruiser to Canada or US. There are a number of exemptions for short (up to a year) and long term/permanent importation for owners in uses such as: mining, military, armored conversions, expedition travelers, museum exhibits, foreign consular officials/military staff and others. Some of those have found their way into private hands of new owners, registered in this country for road use. Not easy and in some cases, not legal, but "it can be done."
Anyone can import a new HZJ79 and take a picture of it..... as long as the vehicle is then "deported" subject to its import documentation (usually one year, maximum). Evidently, the offering firm has not done that yet, is working on it. The hard part is everything else - approval for import and sale of modified vehicles in North America.
The promoter has stated that the firm has the ability to apply proprietary technology to the vehicle to comply with US emission standards and also satisfy crash standards. Great, good luck.
Here's the rub - the promoters have tried to raise money through deposits/reservations, angel investors, Go Fund Me page, etc. Basically, asking folks to trust him/them. Sales are supposed to start with SEMA in fourth quarter of 2017, so IF those deposits are made in unrestricted accounts, and IF the promoters do not deliver after a year or two of promotion - how do they get their money back? All of it, some, none?
If a member of this community made this pitch - a Land Cruiser business owner (Toyota dealer, Land Cruiser shop owner, Land Cruiser importer) or even a recognized Land Cruiser owner there would be a level of credibility through shared history, expertise and track record. It seems funny that the promoter(s) seem not to have made those introductory connections to build credibility.
Not saying that the promoters are crooked or incompetent - but observing that if any experienced business person were to enter a new market, it seems likely that they would reach out to existing members of the community that best know the product and how it is used here. The L79 America promoters seem not to have any personal or professional connections in the Land Cruiser enthusiast community.
Let me repeat - a) Welcome, Ralf! and b) I wish the promoter good luck and success - if his offer is not a scam.
