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European delivery programs are those arrangements that continental European automobile manufacturers make with their dealerships throughout the world, to attract consumers who will combine the purchase of a European-made automobile with a trip to Europe. These are typically aimed at the North American market, which constitute the most profitable market for Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Saab, Volvo and Porsche.
General Description
The programs vary depending upon the manufacturer, but the programs tend to share certain commonalities such as reduced or free airfare for one or two persons to fly to Europe to tour the factory and take possession of their car. Such arrangements are typically made with the involvement of a dealership in the purchaser’s country of origin. Once the purchaser takes possession of their automobile, they can typically tour with the car in Europe legally for up to six months. Depending on the manufacturer, it may be the purchaser's responsibility to ship their vehicle back to the purchaser's country of origin, but most makers make these arrangements on behalf of the buyer (including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Saab, and Volvo, according to their respective websites) by having them drop it off at a dealer.
Manufacturers cite the program as a way to build customer loyalty as few customers ever forget the European delivery experience or experience buyer’s remorse. If combined with a vacation that was going to be had anyway, the European delivery program saves the traveler the cost of renting a car while in Europe. More importantly, customers have the opportunity of taking their cars (especially Grand Tourers) to exotic destinations such as the Côte d'Azur or Alps, where the roads are more scenic and challenging than their North American counterparts; indeed European automakers often advertise their vehicles in such places. As well, Autobahns have no speed restrictions compared to US and Canadian freeways, so this allows an auto enthusiast to fully exploit the potential of their high performance European cars.
Obstacles
Japanese makers of luxury marques have yet to initiate a similar program. A theoretical program, from either Acura, Infiniti or Lexus, would probably face increased difficulty due to the fact that while not illegal to operate in Japan, vehicles for the North American market have their steering wheels on the opposite side of vehicles designed for the Japanese market, which would make operation somewhat more difficult. Another factor is the complications of registering a vehicle in Japan due to anti-congestion laws and severe traffic in Japan's major cities.
Despite being a member of the European Union. which permits LHD and RHD vehicles to be registered in most member countries, British luxury automakers have similar difficulties in implementing such a program.
External Links
- Audi European Delivery Home (new in October 2006)
- BMW European Delivery Home
- Mercedes-Benz European Delivery Home
- Porsche European Delivery Home
- Saab European Delivery Home
- Volvo European Delivery
Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 13 November 2008, at 04:47.
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