Mercedes-Benz

Car buying opens travel opportunities
An exciting option in car buying seems to be catching on with consumers. Vehicle manufacturers are offering special travel and delivery programs where North American buyers have the opportunity to travel to Europe to pick up their new cars. Once taking delivery at the factory, the happy owner can do some road touring in the manufacturers home country and beyond, with plans usually including overnight stays in hotels along the route. After spending a few relaxing days traveling European roads in their new car, buyers return to the factory where their car is readied for shipping back to the states.

According to Porsche, "There is no better way to get to know your new Porsche than experiencing it in its native environment." What better way to experience your new Porsche but on the roads and autobahns that inspired Porsche performance and style?

Porsche's European Delivery Program is quite extensive, from the time you order your car from an authorized dealer to taking delivery in either Zuffenhausen or Leipzig.

In Zuffenhausen, a factory tour gives you the opportunity to watch the assembly of Porsche’s sports cars. And, of course, watching the cars being built just gets you even more excited about taking delivery of your own car! Once you get the keys to your Porsche, your free to tour Europe. You can take advantage of Porsche's Travel Club and have them plan a trip for you or, if your adventurous, take off on your own. Either way, the idea is to get to know your new Porsche and stretch it's legs a little!

Audi of America has now introduced their own European Delivery Program. North American customers can pick up their new Audi at the headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany. All of Audi's models are available as part of the European Delivery Program. Once in Germany, customers can learn more about the German marque by taking a factory tour or by visiting the Audi museum.

In addition to claiming your new car and the unique tours, you have the opportunity to experience Audi Drivers’ Day. This puts you behind the wheel of the amazing S8.

As with Porsche, once taking delivery of your car at the factory, you can tour Europe in your car before flying home. A nice plus with Audi are the 20 different car return stations available across Europe. Rather than returning to Ingolstadt, you can drop your car off at one of these stations. Your car is then prepared and shipped to our local dealership. Nice and convenient.

Mercedes-Benz European Delivery program are similar to the others, with you initiating the purchase and planning of our delivery online. You will pick up your new Mercedes at the factory in Sindelfingen, Germany. From there you can choose from two packages. The first is simply called the Standard Package, the other the Black Forest-Alps Rally Package.

The Standard Package provides one night stay for one or two people at your choice of hotels throughout Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland.

The Black Forest-Alps Rally Package is more geared towards the enthusiast. It combines your one night's stay with four additional nights. In addition, your directed on a self-guided "rally" that takes you from the factory into the Black Forest. From there it's off to the Austrian Alps, where the Arlberg Pass will bring you close to Innsbruck and, continuing north, to Munich. Mercedes does ask that you order your new car at least four months prior to traveling.

BMW's European Delivery program goes beyond what the other manufacturers we've discussed currently offer. Why? Three words...Conde Nast Tours.

Yes, BMW takes care of all of the details, from ordering, to insurance, to shipping. But you have the option of enjoying an exclusive driving adventure developed by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Three five-day itineraries are available – Lakeside Luxury, Alpine Getaway and Castles. Once you arrive in Munich, your're met and escorted to a private chauffeured sedan for a drive to the European Delivery Center. From there, depending on which tour you've chosen, you head out on some of Europe's most scenic roads, with each day ending at a Gold List hotel.

You can tour Europe in your new BMW for up to 6 months after delivery. However, if you've financed or leased through BMW Financial Services, you must export your car within 90 days.

One note regarding financing. No matter what vehicle you've decided to buy, take the time to investigate all of your financing options. Dealer financing is fine but services such as what Carseek offers gives you buying options with one-stop convenience.

BMW buyers do have something to look forward to in Munich. They has just opened their new delivery center, the BMW Welt. Destined to be not only the place to pick up your new BMW but also a cultural center in Munich. The Welt is so unique that it warrants a future post of its own. Look for it in the near future.

One question to ask is will other car manufacturers follow suit by offering travel packages with new car purchases? And is it an enticement to buy or an extra perk to take advantage of? In our opinion, available travel opportunities are definitely a perk. The makes we have discussed here are brands recognized as expensive and exclusive. Buyers of these brands typically vacation in more exotic locales so purchasing optional travel packages with their new cars is a no-brainer. Our recommendation? If you can, buy the perks! You only live once and you can't drive your new European sports car or sedan the way it's meant to be in the States.