European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - January 11, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Thursday. January 11. 1990 the stars and stripes Page 13 car Corner Pond Csc Sevro efs and a Cadillac Coupe pm introduces some 91 models  cd 1990 is jus under Way. Some 1991 Moi ids arc already hiring readied on the i s Market in neral motors is the Leader Here with introductions planned for new ears of 1991 and 1990 designations pm s up iliac division is showing its 1991 firebird series and 1990 grand Pix Ste cars at shows this month in Chi Cago and los Angeles while Chevrolet goes with All 1991 models these include the Caprice Camaro and the s-10 4-door Blaer. 4\4 pickup and Baja pickup. Cadillac is also in the running with a new luxury Model the Eldorado touring Coupe All of hew Cim vehicles will be on the . Market by March or april. Looking briefly at the lineups. I Pontiac says the new firebird appearance propels that nameplate into the be car  on Tsih various bases in Europe i Randy i  new Dot car conversion rulings set for Jon. 31 the car conversion Industry has fallen off sharply since the heyday of the five year waiver program but business remains Good for the few firms still in it. Thai s the opinion of Joe Marino vice president of import Trade services of Secaucus. . His firm is a partner with trans car shipping of Kel Strbach. West Germany and together they offer a Complete car con version and shipping program Marino was in Germany recently an during an interview pointed out that new department of transportation Dot safety rules go into effect on Jan. 31, and will apply to any car purchased after oct. 31. 1988. Marino says the key provisions in the new rules will 1 ban anyone but a Dot registered importer from importing vehicles. 2 ban permanent entry of any Type of vehicle unless Dot has determined that the vehicle can be modified to meet Federal safety standards. This Means that cars never intended for Sale or use in the unite states will no longer be allowed in for example a mar codes Benz puch 4-wheel drive gala Newagen. A Renault 5 Turbo or a Morgan sports car. Marino says the do registered importer ruling is Good for the customer because it puts the full Burden of responsibility on the conversion company. The rules allow the Dot to control the Industry just As the Epa controls the Industry where engine emission work is involved. With the new Dot  Marino says the modifier must be totally accountable for his work and the customer will eel much better service because of it. The Dot action is Long overdue. It should have come in with the new Epa rulings of 1988." today foreign cars of any Model v ear still May be purchased for conv a Tsiun Pur poses but they must pass hotly Epa engine emissions requirements and Dot safety requirements and then be imported solely through an Epa certified Independent commercial importer Ici. And As of Jan. 31, the importer must also be a Dot Regis tired one. There Are exemptions to the new Dot rules and they have been created primarily for military and department of defense personnel stationed abroad Marino says. For instance a vehicle if purchased prior to oct. 31. 1988. Is exempt if its owner has been employed outside the United states continuously since oct. 31,1988. And will continue to be so employed until the Date when the vehicle enters the United Stales. The deadline for vehicle re entry is oct. 31. 1992. Another example involves the vehicles still exempt under the old five year waiver plan and its hardship Extension clause. These cars still May be converted under the old Dot Stan Dards and engine emissions work is not required. These cars had to be Pur chased before dec. I. 1987. And they must be sent to the United slates before dec. 31, 1990. Under the Dot rules that go into Al feet on Jan. 31, there will also be a 30 Day Holdma period. Meaning the .conversion firm must hold the vehicle for 30 Days at the shop so that Dot can inspect it to see if the modification Job has been done properly. Another new Dot Rule will require a conversion importing firm to keep a parts defect warranty program for the customer a program that will be in effect for eight years. The conversion work on the vehicle must also be guaranteed for eight years under the new ruling. The current warranty on Epa engine emissions work is  Miles. The i ran scar import Littfe services Cost for both Dot and up conversion East coast is $5.50 1. Marino says this including bonding customs clearance and Iran portion to the modifying or con version facility. It does nut include Cus Toms duty if applicable or wean freight. Regarding Dot conversion work for those who still qualify under the old five year waiver program the Cost is $2.35. The Cost will Rise slightly when the new Dot rules become effective on Jan. 31. Marino says. The trans car pm porn Trade services is both an Ici and a Dot registered importer. For additional details those inter ested May Call Kay Lester operations manager of the firm at civilian 06107 8051 in Kel Strbach West  March trans car import Trade services is planning a series of car con version seminars the dates to be announced late next month.