Car import finance - how to fund vehicle imports to the UK

• Cash flow challenge: I want to import cars into the UK, but the upfront costs, duties, and delays in reselling are putting pressure on my cash flow.

• Perfect for: Dealerships, traders, or businesses importing vehicles for resale or specialist fleets.

Novuna helps businesses manage the upfront costs of importing vehicles into the UK. We compare supply chain finance providers and offer tailored funding solutions so you can cover duties, shipping, and supplier costs without draining working capital.

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The costs of importing cars into the UK

Importing vehicles involves several upfront expenses that can stretch cash flow, including:

• Purchase costs from overseas suppliers

• Shipping and insurance

• Customs duties and import VAT

• Vehicle testing and registration in the UK

Without finance in place, these costs can tie up working capital before cars are sold.

Funding options for car imports

Trade finance

Helps cover supplier payments while you wait for vehicles to arrive and be cleared for sale

Purchase order finance

Useful when you have confirmed customer orders but need funds to pay suppliers upfront.

Working capital loans

Flexible finance to cover duties, registration costs, and other import-related expenses.

Invoice finance

Once vehicles are sold and invoices are raised, invoice finance can release cash tied up in customer payments.

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Cash flow challenges unique to car imports

• Long shipping times tying up capital

• Variable customs duties depending on vehicle type and origin

• Regulatory testing (e.g. IVA or MOT) adding costs and delays

• Fluctuating exchange rates increasing supplier costs

Planning ahead and having the right finance in place ensures your dealership or trading business avoids bottlenecks.

How Novuna Business Cash Flow helps

Novuna works with car importers to keep supply chains running smoothly. From paying overseas suppliers to covering customs and registration fees, we ensure your working capital isn’t overstretched. With flexible solutions tailored to the automotive sector, we help you import vehicles confidently and consistently.