MERCEDES EUROPEAN DELIVERY PROGRAM

Ever dream of driving a new Mercedes on the Autobahn? Your new Mercedes? Well, get to it, already!

For more than four decades, Mercedes has operated its European Delivery Program, alllowing new-car buyers to enjoy their new ride throughout Germany and then having it shipped to their home in the U.S.

Unlike other manufacturers, however, Mercedes offers two packages. There’s the Standard Package and the Black Forest-Alps Rally, and both include lodging at selected hotels, 15 days of zero-deductible comprehensive insurance, ground transportation to/from drop-off points, and ocean shipping. You pay an additional fee for the more extravagant Black Forest package.

Between 350 and 500 cars leave the Delivery Center every day. Germans and other Europeans pick up their new cars there to save destination charges. Americans get an $875 savings in terms of destination charged and also receive a 7% savings on their new car’s MSRP.

Although there are some who will question whether there’s more expense or savings going this route, especially when you consider extraneous costs, a package like this seems a great way to enjoy a European vacation.

PHOTO TOUR AT RIGHT.