FWIW, I personally imported my new 2003 Plus 8 into USA back in early 2004 using a ro-ro service (along with a bunch of new Volvos and an old London taxi).
No issues with theft or damage but make sure you have insurance (and can pick it up quickly at the port on arrival)
Earlier at the factory they had specifically asked me if I wanted the airbags activated..........because if you use a containerized service instead the containers often get dropped hard enough to deploy the airbags !!!!
