The Volvo cars program has been operating since the 1950s, delivering some 300,000 vehicles. About 8,000 current models plus unsold ones from the previous year are taken annually for European delivery.
As an incentive to buyers, Volvo offers two complimentary economy round-trip SAS flights to Europe, with access to SAS Business Class lounges in the U.S., plus one night at the classy Radisson SAS hotel in Gothenburg.
The Factory Delivery Center is open weekdays only, as is Volvo’s own test track. EDP participants have the opportunity to take a few laps around the track to familiarize themselves with their new car before heading out into traffic.
Buyers are free to pick up or drop off the car almost anywhere in Europe. Pick up and return at Volvo in Gothenburg is free; pick-up or drop off elsewhere in Europe ranges from $300 to more than $1,000, depending on the city. But why add on the expense, when there’s plenty to see and do around Gothenburg?
If you haven’t already gotten your wedding registry crystal, visit the nearby factories of Orrefors, Kosta, Boda, and other manufacturers, where you can watch goblets and art glass being made. Just try to resist buying out their huge factory stores.
Drive to Kalmar, a medieval walled city with a moated castle and cobblestone streets. Head north across one of the longest bridges in Europe to the island of Oland, dotted with windmills, farms, grazing sheep, and the ruins of Borgholm Castle, which dates to the 1300s.
In winter, steer your new Volvo even further north to the world-famous Icehotel and snuggle under animal skin blankets before or after dogsledding or cross-country skiing.
Volvo has a dedicated EDP customer service representative (800-631-1667) and an in-house corporate travel agency (800-730-3555) to arrange SAS flights for Volvo buyers planning European delivery.
