SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 24, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cartelligent has released its guide to European Delivery for new car buyers. The company is unique in that it works directly with individual clients and help them weigh their options to decide exactly which car is best for them.
European delivery programs combine the excitement of driving a new vehicle with the thrill of a European vacation. Many brands offer discounts on the price of the vehicle and a number of travel perks that can offset the cost of a European vacation. Volvo will even pay for air tickets for two to Sweden!
These programs (currently offered by Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volvo) allow clients to special order a new vehicle to their exact specifications and pick it up at the brand's European factory. The client then gets to drive it around Europe during their vacation and then have it shipped back home when they return (known as redelivery).
European delivery does require some planning ahead—typically about three months in advance of travel. They will also need to wait an additional two to three months for the car to be shipped back home afterwards. But in exchange for some advance planning they get to experience their new car on its home turf before they take it back home.
How does the European delivery process work?
Cartelligent can help clients through the process or they can work with their local dealer. They will need to decide two things in advance:
1) Exactly how they want the vehicle configured so that it can be special ordered
2) When they want to arrive in Europe to pick their new car up
After the order is placed, the client will get a confirmed delivery date and can book their flight and start planning their trip. They need to sign the final paperwork in the US a week or so before they leave.
Once in Europe, they arrive at the delivery center and factory at the date and time indicated to pick up the new vehicle. They then drive off to enjoy all that Europe has to offer. When their trip is complete, they can return the car to the same location or at a selected alternate drop-off location (often near major airports). The car will then be prepped for shipment to the US where they can pick it up several weeks later at their Cartelligent branch or local dealership. All import paperwork and transportation charges are handled by the manufacturer.
What does European delivery include?
Most European delivery programs include:
- A special discount on the vehicle (except Porsche)
- Catered meal(s) on the delivery date
- One night hotel stay (at pre-selected hotels)
- Tours of the factory and museum
- European vehicle insurance for a two week trip (this can be extended for an additional cost)
- European maps loaded to the navigation system for the duration of travels (if applicable)
- Shipping from the factory to a local dealership in the US after the trip
Each manufacturer's program is a little different:
Audi
Destination: Audi Forum, Ingolstadt, Germany (R8 customers take delivery at the Audi Forum Neckarsulm where the vehicle is produced)
Travel Options: Audi also offers Driving Experience Programs including professional driver instruction, racetrack driving or exclusive tours for an additional charge.
Drop-off: The vehicle can be left at one of 17 drop-off locations throughout Europe.
Redelivery: 11-13 weeks from the time the vehicle is dropped off.
Vehicle pricing: Vehicles qualify for a 5% discount off of MSRP on all models except R8 and RS models.
BMW
Travel Options: BMW has five optional arranged packages such as "Spa Sport & Drive" or "Castles & Mozart" that clients can purchase or make their own itinerary.
Drop-off: The vehicle can be left at one of 12 drop-off locations throughout Europe.
Redelivery: 6-10 weeks from the time the vehicle is dropped off.
Vehicle pricing: Most models qualify for a 7% discount off of MSRP. Final price may actually be lower and is determined by negotiation with selling dealer.
Notes: European delivery is not available on the i3, i8, X3, X4, X5, and X6.
Mercedes-Benz
Destination: Mercedes-Benz Delivery Center, Sindelfingen (near Stuttgart), Germany
Travel Options: Mercedes-Benz has optional arranged packages such as "Black Forest/Alps Rally" or "Alpen Route" that clients can purchase or make their own itinerary. The brand also offers discounts at select hotels throughout Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Drop-off: The vehicle can be left at one of 15 drop-off locations throughout Europe.
Redelivery: 6-12 weeks from the time the vehicle is dropped off.
Vehicle pricing: Most models qualify for a 7% discount off of MSRP. Final price may actually be lower and is determined by negotiation with selling dealer.
Notes: European delivery is not available on the B-Class, GL-Class or M-Class.
Porsche
Destination: Porsche Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, Germany or Porsche Leipzig, Germany
Travel Options: The brand leaves it up to the new owner to plan the remainder of their trip—the thrill of driving a new Porsche on the autobahn in combination with the museum and factory tour is reason enough for enthusiasts to choose European delivery.
Drop-off: The vehicle can be left at one of 18 drop-off locations throughout Europe.
Redelivery: 6-10 weeks from the time the vehicle is dropped off.
Vehicle pricing: No discount offered. Final price is determined by negotiation with selling dealer.
Volvo
Destination: Volvo Factory Delivery Center, Gothenburg, Sweden
Travel Options: Volvo has arranged a variety of optional tours clients can choose including "Castles and Manor Houses" and "Great Golf in Sweden and Scotland" or they can make their own itinerary.
Drop-off: The vehicle can be left at one of 20 drop-off locations throughout Europe.
Redelivery: 6-12 weeks from the time the vehicle is dropped off.
Vehicle pricing: Vehicles qualify for a 3-10% discount off of MSRP.
Notes: Volvo is the only European delivery that allows clients to order their new car with Europe-exclusive colors and wheels.
We welcome inquiries about this list or about car buying in general. To set up an interview with one of our experts, please contact Jessica Carstens at 415-339-4562 or email jcarstens@cartelligent.com.
About Cartelligent: Since 2000, Cartelligent has connected car buyers with the new car they want, at a below market price. Thousands of satisfied clients each year work with Cartelligent to skip the traditional dealer experience and save time and money on their new car.
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