Audi Mission Viejo European Delivery

What is the Audi European Delivery Program? Simply put, it is the perfect way to take ownership of your new Audi where it deserves to be appreciated – Bavarian Germany.

To get a clear picture of the experience, we’ll follow European Car magazine Technical Editor Michael Febbo and his lovely wife Erin on their trek through the city of Ingolstadt – the birthplace of modern-day Audi. It all began with a phone call from Audi to our Operations Manager, Cedric Volk. Delighted to take part in the delivery process on behalf of Audi of America, Cedric met with Mr. Febbo to discuss the steps that he would be taking while picking up European Car’s new 2009 Audi A5 test vehicle. European Car magazine would enjoy this particular A5 as a one-year press vehicle, and would undoubtedly put the new coupé through a rigorous examination (and a few sets of tires).

Clad in crisp Ibis White and draped in supple Black Milano Leather, the European Car A5 was ordered to the specifications that do the Grand Touring Coupé justice: Bang & Olusen Sound, Navigation, Audi Drive Select, and the Premium & Technology Packages, which include Audi’s signature LED Daytime Running Lights. Put together on the new modular A5 chassis with the 3.2 Liter FSI-injected V6 engine, Mr. Febbo was sure to enjoy the feel of the 6-speed manual transmission coupled to Audi’s legendary Quattro All-Wheel Drive on the often moist (and always fast) German Autobahn. Even though the speed limits there may be in kilometers per hour, European Delivery Audis are built to United States standards.

With the A5 freshly off the Ingolstadt assembly line, Michael and Erin headed toward Ingolstadt via Zurich, Switzerland on Lufthansa – the pride of Germany’s friendly skies. Having to make a quick stop in Hannover for business, the usual European Delivery process was a little off track – it was not until the morning after a complimentary stay in the classic, yet contemporary, Kult Hotel (www.kult-hotel.de) that the Febbo couple was picked up by a long, lean, twelve-cylinder Audi A8L. Typically, European Delivery participants meet their white-glove chauffeur at the Arrivals Terminal in Munich International Airport. Before leaving the United States, participants choose between three internationally acclaimed Hotels for a complimentary two-guest stay and receive personal transportation all the way from airport to hotel to the Audi Forum.

Upon arrival at the Audi Forum, guests are treated to a tour of Audi’s factory floor and a stop in the Audi Mobile Museum – a must for any Audi fan. After their behind-the-scenes glimpse of what makes the Audi world go ‘round, Michael and Erin enjoyed food and drink at Audi’s Market Café before letting the A5 loose on the damp German asphalt. Ingolstadt is a city of history, culture, and classic German efficiency. Founded in the year 1250, Ingolstadt is home to beautiful museums, castles, restaurants, and shops – both quaint and modern. While the Febbo couple did not have an ample allocation of time to spend there and in the neighboring cities, European Delivery participants are encouraged to branch out and explore what greater Europe has to offer – as Audi has more than a dozen authorized drop-off points throughout the continent.

With up to 90 days before a travel visa is required, participants can roam about the French countryside, swim in the Mediterranean while visiting Monaco, sample the amazing flavors of Italy, and carve through the mountains of the Swiss Alps at their leisure – all without having to rent a car or hail a Mercedes-built taxicab. At the conclusion of the adventure, the participants fly home while their Audi is shipped back to their local dealership where the ownership experience starts all over again.

Here are some statements provided to us courtesy of Mr. Febbo:

“From the very beginning of the process to the end, you are treated like a celebrity. All the details are handled in a way you would expect from one of the world’s premier auto manufacturers. From the English Navigation system provided at pick-up in Ingolstadt to the numerous drop off points scattered all around Europe, they anticipate your every need”

“The [Audi] museum in Ingolstadt contains over a century of transportation history. Road production cars mix with storied racing machines and one-off movie creations, even non car enthusiasts will be fascinated by the variety in the collection”

“Audi’s European Delivery Program is the perfect excuse to take that trip you keep promising yourself; Blasting across miles of Autobahn is an experience of a lifetime for any enthusiast, don’t let a rental car ruin it”

From Erin’s perspective:

“The factory tour is sensory overload really, but I would do it again in a heart-beat.  We were able to see how Audi takes such pride in making each and every car.  It truly was incredible to see how an Audi goes from a sheet of metal to the fun canyon carver we all love”

“When you come down the stairs [to the delivery area] you are introduced to your Audi for the first time, and then are walked through every aspect of the car from engine to trunk. Oh, did I mention we got our first family photo too? Yes, Audi offers to take a picture with you and your new car – now that is a perfect memory”

“My first trip to Germany is an unforgettable one and I am so happy that I was able to experience it in an Audi.  As a consumer and car enthusiast I would highly recommend the European Delivery; you are treated like a Queen (or King).  Audi takes as much pride in their customers as they do in building their cars.  We have two future trips to Europe planned: One to pick up my new Allroad, the other to cheer Audi on at the 24 Hours of Le Mans”

See yourself taking delivery overseas? Fill out the form below and we’ll touch base with you, so you can hear more about the experience of a lifetime: Audi European Delivery.