European delivery
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
European delivery programs are those arrangements that European automobile manufacturers make with their dealerships throughout the world, typically aimed at the North American market (the most profitable market for Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Saab, Volvo and Porsche), to attract consumers who will combine the purchase of a European-made automobile with a trip to Europe.
[edit] Variations of the program
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. Likewise, 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, he or she 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).
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.
Japanese makers of luxury brands have yet to initiate a similar program for Japan. 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.
U.S.Director Of European Sales /Irv Robinson 847 304 3024 MB,BMW & Porsche
