Why the model name is not enough
One Chinese-market model can have several model years, battery sizes, range labels and equipment grades on sale at the same time. A supplier and an overseas buyer may therefore use the same English model name while referring to different vehicles. That difference can affect seats, sunroof, driver-assistance hardware, battery, dimensions and price.
Before requesting a quotation, write down the exact model year and full trim name. If you do not know them yet, use a Chinese vehicle database such as Autohome to narrow the choice. Treat the page as a research tool, then confirm the final vehicle against the supplier's written offer and vehicle documents.
Step 1: open Autohome and translate carefully
Visit Autohome.com.cn and use the search or vehicle-selection entry to find the brand and model. A browser's page-translation function can help an overseas buyer navigate Chinese menus. Translation is a reading aid, not an authoritative conversion of every model or technical term.
Keep the original Chinese page available beside the translation. Copy the Chinese model and trim name into your inquiry or attach a screenshot of the selected row. This gives the supplier a precise reference when the English translation is ambiguous.
Step 2: select the model year before comparing trims
Open the model series and separate the available model years. Do not assume that a newer production date means a newer marketed model year. A vehicle can be built in one calendar year while carrying a version name from another model year. Keep model year and actual production date as two different fields.
Then choose the full trim rather than a shortened label. Range figures such as 401KM or 610KM often form part of the version name. They help identify the product but do not guarantee real-world driving range in another climate, route or use condition.
Step 3: use the specification table as a comparison tool
The specification area can help compare powertrain, listed range, battery, dimensions, seats and equipment such as electric seat adjustment or a sunroof. Compare columns side by side and record the fields that matter to your market instead of copying the entire table into an order.
Autohome itself warns that configuration information is for reference and that the actual vehicle information prevails. A website may also update after a manufacturer change. For the final order, ask the supplier to state the year, complete trim, key required features and any excluded or market-dependent function in writing.
Connected services, mobile apps, language packs, navigation, charging standards, warranties and driver-assistance functions may not work outside China in the same way shown on a domestic page. These items need destination-specific confirmation.
Step 4: use listed MSRP to identify the trim
On Chinese pages, 厂商指导价 means the manufacturer's suggested retail price, commonly shortened to MSRP in English. Chinese suppliers often use this number as a quick reference for a particular trim because several versions can have similar translated names.
Use the combination of brand, model, model year, full trim name and listed MSRP. Do not use MSRP alone: different promotions, model years or products can share a similar figure. A screenshot with the selected row is often clearer than sending one number in a message.
MSRP is not the export price
The listed MSRP is a domestic-market reference. It is not the supplier's purchase cost, current transaction price, FOB quotation, CIF quotation or delivered cost. Export pricing can change with the actual source vehicle, market conditions, preparation, inspection, documentation, inland transport, shipping, insurance and order quantity.
Ask for a quotation that names the exact vehicle and states what is included. Compare offers only when model year, trim, condition, quantity, commercial term, destination and included services match.
A five-line request that reduces quotation errors
Send the model year, full trim name, listed MSRP reference, required quantity and destination port. Add the features that are mandatory for your buyer and any destination requirement already known. The supplier can then confirm the current vehicle source, production information, export configuration, price and shipping option.
- Model year and full Chinese-market trim
- Autohome link or screenshot of the selected row
- Listed MSRP used only as a trim reference
- Quantity, condition and mandatory equipment
- Destination country and port
