CAR importers could be forced to streamline their businesses in order to continue offering the best value to car buyers once new Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) testing regulations come into force.

That's the message according to CAP Grey Book, the only trade guide to the value of grey import vehicles.

"Many importers have been able to save money in the past by preparing cars for the SVA tests using their own workshop facilities," said Robert Hester, editor of Grey Book.

"It is likely that an enhanced version of the test will be implemented before the end of the year and the changes that are made could make this unworkable for many.

"Importers must be positive that their interpretation of the SVA rules is the same as the tester's, otherwise a lot of time and money can be wasted on duplicate trips to the testing station."

Mr Hester said importers might be better off outsourcing the entire SVA to a specialist company that will collect the vehicle at the dockside, prepare and test it. However, he said that a premium was charged for this and the importer had to pay for storage as well as the test.

"Importers will have to decide on the right method for them to be able to offer the best value vehicles to their customers.

"For some, making use of their own facilities will pay for itself while for others, the time and effort involved will actually create more cost, which could increase the price of the car," he added.