Hello,

The automotive parts website I am working on has a complicated site structure (which is part of the reason we want to submit a site map) that would look something like this: home page -> master category page - > category page -> product parent page -> product child page -> shopping cart, etc. We would love to simplify this, but it isn't an option right now and instead are looking to submit a site map to ensure the site is as search engine friendly as we can make it within our limitations. 

My question is this: Should the site map include both the product parent and product child pages? Both have nearly identical text, the only difference between the pages being that the product child page has more specific vehicle information.  If either group should be removed from the site map, which should it be (parent product page or child product page?

Thank you in advance for your help!

What kind of sitemap are you planning on creating?
http://www.microsystools.com/products/sitemap-generator/help/website-sitemap-kinds-comparison/

My opinion:
If XML for search engines: Include all unique pages.
If HTML for humans: Include all that make navigational sense. (But since HTML sitemaps can also be used to give linkjuice to your important pages, you may also want to include all important unique pages.)

You can include all the pages URLs in your sitemap.Both parent pages and child category pages need to be added in the sitemap.