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 TripWOODCLIFF 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.