We're third in line in the dealer's allocation queue hoping for European delivery of a 2022 718 Boxster in the spring. Fingers crossed here. While there are no guarantees just yet, it's fun musing about the possible routes for a month-long drive. I've read some of the forum advice, and figured I'd see what you all have to say.
From what I understand, pickup in Zuffenhausen or Leipzig is currently limited to just that, pickup. If the dampener of Covid lifts, we may do the Leipzig delivery to take advantage of the factory track. Maybe. Else it's Zuffenhausen.
So, for now, here's our tentative route. Assume a few days in each location.
• Fly San Francisco to Paris.
• Train to Zuffenhausen.
• Drive to Hamburg. I like model trains. Big exhibit there... This dogleg may get scratched for time.
• Drive to Barcelona
• Ferry to Majorca
• Ferry to Ibiza
• Ferry to Barcelona
• Mediterranean Coast road to Tuscany. Side trips around Italy.
• Back to Zuffenhausen via Switzerland.
• Fly Stuttgart to San Francisco
We have no reservations about longer road trips in the Boxster -- we did U.S. coast-to-coast and back in our Miata. If Covid kills European delivery, we'll do that again. Maybe a Canadian route this time.
Thoughts?
JB
I thought this exchange might be helpful
(names have been changed to protect the innocent).
Dear European Delivery Program,
Thank you for the information last April. I finally got an allocation/Commission Number for a Boxster GTS 4 liter on November 1.
I have a few questions, if you will. I anticipate taking the full 16 days of complimentary coverage & registration.
a. When must I register the car in my home state? Do I need to register beforehand and bring plates with me?
b. If they will be European plates, will they fit in the American license plate area - how does that work? And, my SA has promised me there will be no holes drilled in the front bumper to mount a front license plate - can you confirm that? because I will only have a rear license plate when I register the car.
c. When do I need to insure the car? Will that be after I pick the car up from my dealership?
d. I have heard that financing must be done through Porsche when taking European Delivery... is that true? Either way, when do I need to have financing in place?
e. Are there any locations that Porsche would not recommend taking the car? Any travel restrictions? Is there an advisory on best parking practices for overnight, at hotels, sightseeing? Will a steering wheel lock be provided?
f. It says winter tires are installed for European Delivery after October 1st, but until when? does that go until April?
I realize this is all predicated on the ED program being active - is it active now? I suppose the European Delivery Program will be subject to many factors and variables going forward, but best guess on timing, if the build on my car is complete around January 21, 2022, how much time do I have to pick it up to begin my 16 day sojourn? Is that the 8 weeks mentioned or is it different? Also, are you conducting Zuffenhausen Factory Tours?
Best,
Bucket List
Their Reply - 2021.11.18
Dear Mr. Bucket List,
A. This needs to be done once the vehicle is in the U.S, same as if you were not doing a European Delivery. In general the answer to most of your questions is the following: during a European Delivery, it is essentially like the car has not been built yet in terms of what you need to do. We handle all of the registration and insurance, you only need to show up and drive. Once the vehicle is returned at the end of your delivery, it is sent back to the factory, where everything then happens as if it was just finished production, and is being sent to the port to be exported.
B. We have the option of the plate only being affixed to the rear when you pick the vehicle up. We provide a temporary bracket that does not drill into the vehicle, it is your choice to put it on the car or not. Know however that vehicles in the EU need to have both front and rear plates.
C. You will only need insurance once you go to take second delivery of the vehicle at your dealer.
D. You unfortunately cannot finance the car outside of PFS, as most lenders will not be okay with the vehicle being driven in Europe. You need to have the car paid for or financed before you can take delivery in Europe.
E. The insurance is only good within the European Union and the U.K. For covid travel restrictions outside of Germany you will need to figure those out on your own. As long as you use your best judgement in terms of where to park and visit, there should be no problems. All of our vehicles have very advanced security systems, which if the thief is able to get by, a steering lock would not be an issue. However, since your vehicle is not equipped with Entry and Drive, it reduces the risk of theft even more as no one can ghost your key’s signal and use that to enter the vehicle. I would not worry about the vehicle being stolen.
F. April 1st is when winter tires are no longer mandatory.
For Factory Tours, unfortunately those have stopped at Zuffenhausen as they are not comfortable with the risk of covid protocols for workers with how strained the supply chain already is. It is still an 8 week period to pick the vehicle up, currently your vehicle looks like it would complete on 1/14. European Delivery is currently on pause, however if you give me a preferred date at least 19 days (buffer necessary to register and insure the vehicle) after 1/14 but before 8 weeks, we can see if we can do anything for you.
Best regards / Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
DB, Vehicle Personalization and Accessories Intern
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.