Ever since I heard about people picking up new cars from the factory in Europe (about 20 years ago), I thought that it may be the coolest thing ever. You watch your new car roll off the factory floor and be the first to drive it (except for a factory worker).
Plus you save money—on the car cost and what you would spend on a rental car or lease. I can give you all kinds of strategies and tips for cutting rental car rates but I cannot beat FREE. Best for me is that you drive your own car in Europe—for as long as you want (I suggest at least a month)—before taking it to a drop off point for delivery back home. Brilliant!
Well, don’t take my word for it. I talked to my friend Kelley about picking up her new Volvo wagon in Sweden, through the Volvo Overseas Delivery program.
8 great reasons to buy a new car in Europe
- free airfare to Sweden
- one free night lodging in Gothenburg
- driving my new car around Sweden
- free lunch and tour of the Volvo factory
- windmills—everywhere!
- lots to see and do around Gothenburg
- more car, less money
- order from the dealer in November and pick up from the factory in Spring. Storefronts have beautiful Easter decorations.
European Delivery Program: Buy a new car in Europe
A few articles from RideWithG, TheTruthAboutCars, and Edmunds. Find more articles by searching for “European delivery” or “factory delivery.”
Direct links to other auto makers’ European Delivery programs: Audi, Mercedes Benz, Saab, Volvo. Note: BMW ended their European delivery program in May 2020.
Me? I certainly hope to do pick up my new car in Europe one day. Perhaps it will be a hydroelectric, no-oil burning, 4 wheel drive with great power and towing capacity. I think the European automakers are working on it!
Would you buy a new car in Europe?
Nice to hear that, Barbara. Similar experience to my friend’s trip. I guess Volvo does it right.
My sister and brother-in-law are driving the Volvo they happily flew to Sweden for a few years ago. They loved the adventure of it and are still quite smitten with the car.