European Delivery programs allow people to buy new cars and take European trips at the same time. It's not just for the wealthy. In fact, many budget travelers take these offers. Some companies offer airfare and accommodations, as well as free use of the car to take a trip across Europe. At the end, the car is dropped off, shipped to the traveler's home country and delivered a second time. The procedure has its drawbacks and plenty of fine print, but if you find a car you like and its made in Europe, check to see if European Delivery could work for your travel budget.
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General Information
Mark Kahler, licensed to About.com
Take a look at how European Delivery works for budget travelers. The programs don't always provide the best option. For example, you don't want to choose a new car solely because the model is eligible for a European Delivery program. If the car is wrong in every other way, you'll regret the purchase and your travel memories might sour. But if you'd buy the model in your home country regardless of the travel incentives, it's time to take a closer look at how this works, other potential fees and fine print and at why these programs continue to flourish.
Audi
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Based in Ingolstadt, Germany, Audi is among the newest companies to offer European Delivery. One of the most popular features of the program is Audi allows you to end your European trip in one of 20 cities and there is no drop-off fee for any location.
BMW
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As the name of the company implies, Bavarian Motor Works always starts its European Delivery program in Munich. But there is an array of geographic options for drop-off and shipment: 21 locations in eight European nations with only the Italian locations involving an additional fee.
Mercedes Benz
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Mercedes offers two packages: the Standard Package, and the Black Forest-Alps Rally. Both include lodging at selected hotels, 15 days of zero-deductible comprehensive insurance, ground transportation to/from drop-off points, and ocean shipping.
Porsche
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From its factory near Stuttgart, Porsche offers 18 drop-off locations throughout Europe. Porsche also offers a Travel Club that schedules road tours throughout Europe. There are also Porsche Weekends that feature scenic or challenging drives.
Saab
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Saab is re-evaluating its European Delivery program, so its Web site says the program will be "up and running in the near future." When it returns, expect the available models to come from the 9-3 and 9-5 range.
