New Car Delivery: How Your Imported Vehicle Travels from Germany to the US

Welcome to the fascinating world of new car delivery, where we unveil the journey that your beloved new German machine takes before it arrives at your doorstep, polished, detailed, and ready for its first drive.

This is the first post of a 3-part series that discusses the importance of new car protection for vehicles being imported from other countries. This post briefly outlines the journey from manufacturing plant to the Superior Detailer studio. We have many clients who opt to have their vehicles transported directly to our shop from the dealership. This ensures that the vehicle is safely treated by us before being driven.

This post also describes some issues we see with new vehicles from overseas, and why New Car Protection is so important.

From the German Factory to US Shores

German vehicles - the likes of Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen - each begin their voyage across the world at their respective manufacturing plants. The precision, discipline, and high engineering standards inherent in these factories are well-known and contribute significantly to the cars' desirability. Once these vehicles roll off the assembly line, they are prepared for their journey across the Atlantic. 

They are transported to various ports such as Bremerhaven or Emden, secured within massive sea freight containers, and loaded onto cargo ships destined for the United States. The US sees an impressive inflow of German cars each year, with over 470,000 vehicles imported in 2021, highlighting the significant demand for these high-quality machines. See the following graphic from ExportGenius.com that shows the vehicle export data from Germany.

However, their transatlantic voyage is not a gentle one. Despite the extensive packaging and precautions, these new cars are subjected to the elements, sea salt, and potential temperature fluctuations, which can have an impact on the pristine factory finish.



US Ports to Dealerships

Upon reaching US shores, these vehicles are offloaded at various ports. Major entry points include the Port of Charleston, South Carolina, and the Port of Brunswick, Georgia, known as the gateway for imported European vehicles. 

The next leg of the journey involves these cars being transported by truck carriers from the ports to the dealerships. Some of our clients, especially Porsche enthusiasts, opt to take delivery of their vehicles at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Here, they get to test their new cars on the track, making for an unforgettable new car delivery experience.

Along its journey, each vehicle is handles and touched by many hands including transporters and dealers. During this transport, vehicles can get very dirty, lightly marred, or even scratched at the dealer during a pre-delivery "detail" wash. The next section details why we feel that new car protection is so important to remedy the above-mentioned issues.

The Importance of New Car Protection 

By the time your new car reaches the dealership, it might look showroom-ready at a glance. However, it's essential to remember that these vehicles often arrive with factory-induced swirl marks, compound residue in cracks, and other minor imperfections from the transportation process. This is why new car protection becomes crucial. 

Not only does car detailing and protective measures enhance the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, but they also provide several practical benefits. Auto detailing helps prevent further damage to the car’s exterior, increases the vehicle's overall value, and simplifies future maintenance. In essence, new car protection is an investment that pays dividends over the lifespan of the vehicle.

Auto Detailing at Superior Detailer 

At Superior Detailer, we receive many vehicles directly from the dealerships, primarily comprising high-end German models like the latest Porsche Panamera GTS and a wide array of BMWs. Our detailers, with their expert knowledge and skills, take these new vehicles and provide them with the best care and protection possible.

We meticulously handle each car, rectifying any transportation-induced blemishes and ensuring the cars are in pristine condition before their owners take possession. 

In the world of auto detailing, the aim is always perfection. We strive to deliver this perfection to you, ensuring your brand-new German machine not only turns heads on the road but also maintains its beauty and value for the long haul. The photos below show some new German vehicles that recently went through our New Car Protection process with PPF and Modesta coatings.

This completes the journey of your new car delivery, a trip that spans thousands of miles, multiple modes of transport, and ends with the meticulous detailing process. Your German vehicle's voyage is a testament to the lengths we go to bring these engineering marvels from their birthplace in Germany to you, ensuring they remain flawless and ready to perform.

We hope that you enjoyed learning a bit about the process of manufacturer to detail shop. Stay tuned for more posts about this subject and journeys from other countries like Italy, the UK, and Japan!