The Volvo Overseas Delivery program offers a unique way to purchase a new vehicle while enjoying a complimentary European vacation. Instead of simply picking up your car from a local dealership, this program allows you to travel to Sweden, take delivery of your custom-ordered vehicle at the factory, and drive it across Europe before it is shipped to your home.
This program is designed for customers who want a more personal connection with their vehicle’s origins. It combines the excitement of a new car purchase with a high-end travel experience, often at a total cost that is comparable to or even less than a standard local purchase. In this guide, we will break down how the program works, the benefits included, and the steps you need to take to plan your journey.
What is the Volvo Overseas Delivery Program?
The Overseas Delivery (OSD) program is a special purchasing option available to residents in specific markets, most notably the United States and Canada. When you choose this option, you are not buying a car off the lot. Instead, you are ordering a vehicle specifically built to your preferences.
Once the car is manufactured at the Volvo factory in Gothenburg, Sweden, you are invited to fly there to pick it up. The program is famous for its generous inclusions, which typically cover the logistics of your travel and the eventual transport of the car back to your home country. It is a comprehensive package that handles the complexities of international vehicle registration and shipping on your behalf.
The Primary Benefits of the Program
Many car buyers are surprised to learn how many perks are included in the Overseas Delivery package. While specific offers can change, the core benefits generally remain consistent and provide significant value.
Complimentary Travel Arrangements
One of the most attractive features is the travel package. Volvo typically provides two round-trip airline tickets to Gothenburg, Sweden. These are usually premium economy or business class tickets, depending on current promotions and vehicle models. Additionally, the program includes a one-night stay in a high-quality hotel in Gothenburg to ensure you are rested before picking up your car.
Significant Cost Savings
Historically, the Overseas Delivery program has offered a discount off the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). While the exact percentage varies by model and year, these savings often offset the costs of any extra travel you do while in Europe. Furthermore, you avoid the standard destination charges typically found on a car’s window sticker.
The Factory Delivery Experience
Picking up your car at the Factory Delivery Center is a VIP experience. You are given a private briefing on your vehicle’s features, a tour of the Volvo factory to see how the cars are built, and a visit to the Volvo Museum. A traditional Swedish lunch is also typically provided at the center.
How the Ordering Process Works
If you are interested in this program, you cannot simply book a flight and show up. The process requires careful planning and coordination with an authorized dealer. Here is the standard procedure for getting started.
Step 1: Visit an Authorized Dealer
Not every salesperson at a dealership is an expert in Overseas Delivery, so it is helpful to ask for the OSD specialist. You will choose your model, trim level, and any specific options or colors you want. Because the car is being built for you, you have more flexibility than you would with inventory on the lot.
Step 2: Place Your Order and Deposit
Once you have configured your car, you will place a formal order and pay a deposit. At this stage, you will also discuss your preferred delivery date. It is important to plan several months in advance, as factory production schedules and travel arrangements take time to coordinate.
Step 3: Finalize Travel and Paperwork
After your order is confirmed, the Volvo concierge service will contact you to book your flights and hotel. You will also complete the necessary paperwork for international insurance and temporary European registration. Volvo provides a temporary license plate and insurance coverage for 15 days, allowing you to drive legally in Europe.
Driving Your New Car in Europe
After you take delivery of your car in Gothenburg, the adventure truly begins. You are free to explore Sweden and the rest of Europe at your own pace. Many travelers choose to drive through the scenic Swedish countryside, visit neighboring Norway, or even head south toward Germany and the Alps.
Insurance and Registration
Your vehicle comes with a 15-day temporary European registration and comprehensive insurance. If you plan to stay longer than 15 days, you can usually extend this coverage for an additional fee. This allows you to treat your new car as a personal rental for the duration of your vacation.
Drop-Off Locations
When your trip is over, you do not necessarily have to drive back to Gothenburg. Volvo has a network of authorized drop-off points throughout Europe, including major cities like Stockholm, Hamburg, Paris, and Amsterdam. While dropping off in Gothenburg is usually free, using other locations may incur a convenience fee.
Shipping Your Vehicle Home
Once you leave your car at a designated drop-off point, Volvo takes over the logistics. The car is professionally cleaned, cleared through customs, and placed on a cargo ship bound for your home country. This process is included in the initial purchase price.
The Waiting Period
Shipping a car across the Atlantic takes time. Generally, it takes between 6 to 10 weeks for the vehicle to arrive at your local dealership after you drop it off in Europe. During this time, you can often track the ship’s progress online.
Final Delivery
When the car arrives at your local dealer, they will perform a final inspection and detail the vehicle. You will then head to the dealership one last time to pick up your car and finalize any local registration or tax requirements. Because the car was technically “used” in Europe, some states have specific rules regarding its first-time registration, which your dealer will help you navigate.
Is the Overseas Delivery Program Right for You?
While the program is an incredible value, it requires a specific type of buyer. You must be willing to wait for your car to be built and shipped, and you must have the flexibility to travel to Sweden for the pickup. If you need a car immediately, this is not the right choice.
However, if you are already planning a new car purchase and enjoy international travel, it is one of the best deals in the automotive industry. You receive a custom-built car, a memorable vacation, and a unique story to tell for the life of the vehicle. To begin your journey, contact your local dealership and ask about their current Overseas Delivery availability and model eligibility.
By following these steps and planning ahead, you can turn a standard financial transaction into a lifetime memory. Exploring the winding roads of Scandinavia in a car that was just built for you is an experience few other manufacturers can match.