Bavaria in a BMW - Burt Wolf Takes TV Viewers on the Ultimate European Road Trip
26 March 1999
Bavaria in a BMW - Burt Wolf Takes TV Viewers on the Ultimate European Road Trip
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., March 25 -- It just might be the
perfect European vacation: touring through the heart of Bavaria while taking
in stately castles, quaint villages and breathtaking scenery through the open
roof of a brand new BMW convertible. And when you're through, you can take
the BMW home with you.
It may sound too good to be true, but cuisine and travel expert Burt Wolf
is about to show us how it's done. On an upcoming episode of his acclaimed
public television series, "Burt Wolf: Travels and Traditions," Wolf will get
behind the wheel of a BMW M3 convertible and show viewers some of the most
scenic and historic parts of Bavaria. In the process, Wolf demonstrates some
of the most rewarding benefits of BMW's European Delivery program. This
increasingly popular purchase option allows BMW customers in America to buy a
new car from their local BMW center, pick it up at BMW's Munich, Germany
delivery center and have it shipped home to the U.S. after a tour of Europe.
Wolf begins his trip -- which will be broadcast on public broadcasting
stations across the country beginning Saturday, April 3 in the cultural center
of Munich. He showcases some of the best art, architecture and culinary
experiences the city has to offer and visits the BMW Museum to learn about the
company's traditions and history of innovation. Wolf also profiles BMW's
Munich production facility and delivery center, where he slides into an M3
convertible. He proceeds into the Bavarian countryside on the German
autobahn, visiting beautiful palaces, medieval castles and charming villages
along the way.
Wolf's travel experience mirrors that of an increasing number of BMW
buyers who are combining their passion for BMWs with their passion for
exploring Europe. BMW's European Delivery Program can help people "live out
the dream of performance, adventure and romance, surrounded by some of
Europe's most beautiful scenery," according to Wolf.
This episode of "Burt Wolf: Travels and Traditions" has been distributed
to public broadcasting stations nationwide. Local public broadcasting
stations will schedule air times during the current broadcast season in
accordance with their specific programming requirements. In most markets,
"Burt Wolf: Travels and Traditions" runs each week at a predetermined time,
and each episode typically airs several times. Individuals interested in
seeing the program should check local listings or call their local public
broadcasting station.
BMW entered the North American market in 1975. Since then, the company
has grown to include marketing, sales and financial service organizations in
the United States and Canada; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; a
design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley; and various
other operations throughout the U.S. and Canada. BMW is represented in North
America through a network of more than 375 automobile and 190 motorcycle
retailers in the United States and Canada. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the
brand's North American headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Journalist note: This and all press materials are available from the
"Interactive News Bureau" at the BMW website. You can reach it by clicking
"Contact BMW" from the main menu (http://www.bmwusa.com).
BACKGROUND: BMW European Delivery Program
European Delivery makes buying a BMW a truly special experience by
combining a European vacation with the thrill of driving a brand-new BMW.
Program participants order and pay for their car at a local BMW dealer in
the U.S. and pick it up near BMW headquarters in Munich, Germany. After
customers have completed up to a month's worth of European travels, BMW ships
their new car to their local center for them.
How does it work?
BMW makes the process simple:
-- After customers order and pay for the BMW of their choice at a local
BMW center, they need only make their travel arrangements and supply a
U.S. driver's license and passport to take possession of their car in
Germany. BMW takes care of virtually all the details, including
insurance and European tourist registration.
-- BMW also makes all the necessary arrangements for shipping the
customer's new car back to the U.S. The price of a BMW purchased with
the European Delivery option includes inland European transport from
the designated drop-off point, marine insurance, customs duty and
clearance, U.S. port processing and accessory installation and
wharfage and handling fees.
How does European Delivery add value to the customer experience?
With European Delivery, customers get neither an "ordinary" vacation nor
an "ordinary" BMW buying experience:
-- Customers get to see Europe on their own terms, free of the hassles of
traveling on trains, buses and in taxis. The benefits that BMW
provides to European Delivery customers, such as insurance and lower
car prices, make this a fun, safe and realistic option.
-- Customers get to drive their BMW where it was meant to be driven: the
autobahns, winding Alpine roads, and virtually anywhere else in Europe
they want to go. (Former Eastern Bloc countries are excluded from
insurance and tourist registration.)
-- Culture is an integral part of European Delivery. Customers can
immerse themselves in Munich's BMW tradition. All participants are
treated to a meal at the Delivery Center and have the opportunity to
shop at the BMW Boutique and Parts Shop and to visit the nearby BMW
Museum.