As you may imagine, there has been a lot of talk among piano techs
about these used, imported pianos.  Yamaha definitely doesn't like
them and, I believe, is refusing to sell replacement parts for them.
(At least, they're no longer selling parts to Schaff).  I've heard
they request the serial number of the piano before they'll sell parts.

Anyway, the idea of they're being made especially "for the American
climate" is odd.  Exactly what climate is that?  Arizona?  Georgia?
Montana?

I've worked on a couple of these imports and find them to be good pianos
and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them so long as they're carefully
checked out.  The "grey market" Yamaha grands have two pedals instead
of three.

Philip Jamison Pianos
West Chester, PA