Re: US "Euro" delivery

["John R. Bell" <bell@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

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>After all, the Z3s are all built over here in the U.S.  For years BMW 
>has had a European Delivery Program for U.S. customers to pick up their 
>cars at the factory in Germany.  Therefore, they should have a U.S. 
>delivery program for European customers to pick up their cars at the 
>factory over here.  This is logical, makes sense.
>
>So how do you find out?  Beats me..


In fall of '96 I spent 2 weeks at the Spartenburg(Greer)
facility, and the President of manufacturing at the Zentrum,
Walt Benke, told me at that time that they wanted to arrange
factory pick-up of Z3's. Of course, with the new tracks are
almost ready by now, and they should have a comprehensive
"pick-up" program in place by this, or next, year. I gave
a small lecture on the internet when I was there, and told
him they need web cams on the assembly line, and then you
can watch your new Z3, X5, or other car, being assembled
from the comfort of your computer as well. It was funny,
because at the time, they were trying to keep the X5 under
wraps, and everyday I would sneak into the production
facility to look for the X5. At first, walt denied the
existance of such a vehicle, then as tine went on, he
would ask me if I had found it yet, and give me little
hints as to the whereabouts of the prototype that day.
He would ask, "..did you check by the Hurricane Room?",
and I would go there later that day and it had been moved.
It was cat and mouse for a while, and I only saw a buldged
gray tarp, but could not get my hands on it. It became a
running joke between us. They will also have an off-road
track for the X5 as well. What a great idea. Why did'nt
US companies pursue this idea a long time ago!?  Both
they AND the buyers/drivers could of benefitted by becoming
more interactive with the product, and learning its full
potential. Simple ideas sometimes take the longest to achieve.

John R. Bell
Webmasta - http://www.bmwautohaus.com
'99 E46/328i -Fern Green Machine!
- -The grass is always greenest beneath your feet!-
BMWCCA #129xxx - Gateway Chapter
Anyone seen our Pres. lately?
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