944 FACTORY VISIT, 2002 - see also Updates below
'The 944 European Grand Tourismo'
Many of you will of seen in my previous register reports mention of a visit
to the Porsche factory. The planning and research for this event has been ongoing
for some time, and indeed in an effort to produce the best deal possible, still
is and will continue until the last moment. I have reached the stage however,
whereby it is now time to present my proposals to you, the register members.
As the register has not had a run to Stuttgart for quite some time, the task
that I set myself was to put together a package that would not only include
the factory tour, but also places of automotive interest along the way, such
as the Nurburgring, Spa and the fantastic Motor and Technical Museum at Sinsheim.
The criterion that I used is that the trip has to be as economically priced
as possible, whilst not forgoing comfort and standards. To meet this criterion
I have chosen hotels in the Mercure chain. I have used them on many occasions
and have always found them to be excellent value for money. Indeed, two of the
hotels chosen have their own golf course and indoor swimming pool and all have
a sauna, fitness room and other facilities. All rooms are on-suite with satellite
TV, mini-bar and room service. With the exception of breakfast, which is included
in the price, I am purposely not arranging meals. I feel that this is better
left to individuals as not everyone has the same tastes. In each of the locations
that we will stay you will have the choice of dining in the hotel, or in one
of the many local restaurants. Whilst planning the trip my wife Diane and I
have also given some consideration to our long-suffering spouses /partners.
To this end we have planned that once the factory tour is over there will be
an opportunity to go shopping in Stuttgart city centre, with Diane (who speaks
German to near-native standard) giving linguistic support to those needing it.
Meanwhile, for those who still haven't had enough of looking at cars, there
is always the Mercedes Benz museum on the other side of town. We have also included
an extra day for a drive along the beautiful Mosel valley, one of Germany's
premier wine growing regions. There will be a choice of two intineries, as I
appreciate that some of you will not be able to spare the time for the full
trip. Package A will run over six days (5 nights), whilst Package B will last
for five days (4 nights) omitting the Mosel valley and Spa. The final price
has still to be confirmed, but as a rough guide the accommodation prices will
be: Package A: Double/Twin Room £374 Single Room £301 Package B: Double/Twin
Room £283 Single Room £230 Although correct at the time of going to press, it
must be borne in mind that these rates are based on 2001 prices and current
exchange rates, and consequently there may be a slight increase in the hotel
prices and a fluctuation in exchange rates. Actual costs will not be available
until late 2001. The cost of the channel crossing still has to be negotiated
and finalised, but as a guide it should not exceed £150 for a car plus two passengers,
this being the current non-group discounted rate. Regular updates on the prices
will appear in future editions of Porsche Post, with the inclusive price (accommodation
& ferry) published no later than four months prior to departure. So when will
it happen? I am at present a student on an intensive 15-month Serbian language
course, so my time is completely taken up until mid March 2002. I therefore
propose to run the trip during the period Tuesday 2nd -Sunday 7th April 2002,
immediately after the Easter. This will still leave plenty of time in the year
to take part in other club activities. A full intinery for both packages, a
provisional breakdown of costs and place application form can be obtained by
either emailing me at m.cockram@ntlworld.com or by sending a large (A4 size)
SAE to me at: 1 Berwick Close Wilton Park Beaconsfield Bucks HP9 2RB The hotels
I have chosen are extremely busy and have advised booking as early as possible,
so the cut-off date for booking your place will be 31 June 2001. The trip will
be strictly limited to twenty cars (40 people) so if, having looked at the intineries
you would like to take part please let me know by the above date. To secure
your place I will require a deposit of £50 per person with your booking form,
refundable only in the event of the trip not proceeding due to lack of support.
The outstanding balance can be paid by instalment, but has to be settled in
full by 31 January 2002. If you have any queries concerning the above please
fell free to call me on 01494 680594 between 6 & 9 pm. Martyn Cockram
PACKAGE 'A' 31 MARCH- 5 APRIL 2002
SUN 31 MAR DRIVE TO LUXEMBOURG VIA CALAIS-LILLE-CHARLEROI-NAMUR MERCURE
HOTEL KIKUOKA GOLF CLUB CANACH CALAIS-LUXEMBOURG 200 MILES (A16-A25-A16-A7-A15-A44-A6)
MON 1 APR DRIVE TO SINSHEIM VISIT AUTO & TECHNIK MUSEUM & (IF OPEN) MOMO
SHOP DRIVE TO STUTTGART MERCURE HOTEL STUTTGART MUNCHINGEN LUXEMBOURG-SINSHEIM
140 MILES (A8-A6-A61-A6) SINSHEIM-STUTTGART 60 MILES (A6-A81)
TUE 2 APR VISIT PORSCHE FACTORY & MUSEUM OPTION OF VISIT TO MERCEDES
MUSEUM OR SHOPPING WITH GERMAN ASSISTANCE MERCURE HOTEL STUTTGART MUNCHINGEN
DAYTIME TRAVEL BY TRAM NIGHT OUT IN STUTTGART (POSSIBLY BIERKELLER)
WED 3 APR DRIVE TO NURBURGRING (VIA MOMO SHOP SINSHEIM IF REQUESTED)
VISIT MODEL CAR EMPORIUM VISIT NURBURGRING (INCL DRIVE ROUND CIRCUIT) MOVE TO
KOBLENZ MERCURE HOTEL KOBLENZ STUTTGART-N'RING 185 MLES (A81-A8-A5-A6-A61-A48-B257)
N'RING-KOBLENZ 40 MILES (B258)
THU 4 APR MOSEL VALLEY DRIVE (START AT DEUTCHES ECK - LUNCH & PHOTOS
IN COCHEM) MERCURE HOTEL KIKUOKA GOLF CLUB CANACH KOBLENZ-LUXEMBOURG 190 MILES
(B49-B421-B53-A48-A1) ITINERY 'B' DEPART FOR UK
FRI 5 APR RETURN TO UK VIA SPA FRANCORCHAMPS-LIEGE-NAMUR -CHARLEROI-
LILLE-CALAIS LUXEMBOURG-SPA 85 MILES (A7-B7-B62-A60-N62) SPA-CALAIS 210 MILES
(A26-A15-A7-A16-A25-A16) APPROXIMATE TOTAL MILEAGE 1110 MILES
PACKAGE 'B' 31 MARCH - 4 APRIL 2002
SUN 31 MAR DRIVE TO LUXEMBOURG VIA CALAIS-LILLE-CHARLEROI-NAMUR MERCURE
HOTEL KIKUOKA GOLF CLUB CANACH CALAIS-LUXEMBOURG 200 MILES (A16-A25-A16-A7-A15-A44-A6)
MON 1 APR DRIVE TO SINSHEIM VISIT AUTO & TECHNIK MUSEUM & (IF OPEN) MOMO
SHOP DRIVE TO STUTTGART MERCURE HOTEL STUTTGART MUNCHINGEN LUXEMBOURG-SINSHEIM
140 MILES (A8-A6-A61-A6) SINSHEIM-STUTTGART 60 MILES (A6-A81)
TUE 2 APR VISIT PORSCHE FACTORY & MUSEUM OPTION OF VISIT TO MERCEDES
MUSEUM OR SHOPPING WITH GERMAN ASSISTANCE MERCURE HOTEL STUTTGART MUNCHINGEN
DAYTIME TRAVEL BY TRAM NIGHT OUT IN STUTTGART (POSSIBLY BIERKELLER)
WED 3 APR DRIVE TO NURBURGRING (VIA MOMO SHOP SINSHEIM IF REQUESTED)
VISIT MODEL CAR EMPORIUM VISIT NURBURGRING (INCL DRIVE ROUND CIRCUIT) MOVE TO
KOBLENZ MERCURE HOTEL KOBLENZ STUTTGART-N'RING 185 MLES (A81-A8-A5-A6-A61-A48-B257)
N'RING-KOBLENZ 40 MILES (B258)
THU 4 APR RETURN TO UK VIA AACHEN-LIEGE-NAMUR -CHARLEROI- LILLE-CALAIS
KOBLENZ-CALAIS 310 MILES (A48-A61-A4-A44-A3-A15-A7-A16-A25-A16) APPROXIMATE
TOTAL MILEAGE 1015 MILES
PROVISIONAL BREAKDOWN OF COSTS BASED ON 2001 PRICES
ACCOMMODATION CHARGES PROVIDER HOTEL LOCATION FACILITIES COST PER ROOM/PER NIGHT
NO OF NIGHTS TOTAL IN GBP DOUBLE ROOM SINGLE ROOM MERCURE KIKUOKA GOLF CLUB
LUXEMBOURG INDOOR POOL SAUNA FITNESS ROOM MOUNTAIN BIKES GOLF COURSE ROOM SERVICE
RESTAURANT DOUBLE/TWIN 6090 luf SINGLE 4778 luf 67luf = £1 Pkg 'A' 2 182.00
143.00 Pkg 'B' 1 91.00 72.00 MERCURE MUNCHINGEN STUTTGART DOUBLE/TWIN DM199
SINGLE DM165 DM3.2 = £1 2 124.00 103.00 MERCURE KOBLENZ KOBLENZ SAUNA FITNESS
ROOM ROOM SERVICE RESTAURANT DOUBLE/TWIN DM218 SINGLE DM177 DM3.2 = £1 1 68.00
55.00 TOTALS PACKAGE 'A' PACKAGE 'B' 5 4 £374 £283 £301 £230 FERRY CHARGES TO
BE CONFIRMED NURBURGRING CHARGES (PER CAR) 1 6 12 ROUND ROUNDS ROUNDS DM 21
DM105 DM200 £6.60 £32.80 £62.50 SINSHEIM ENTRY (PER ADULT) MUSEUM IMAX 3-D KOMBI
DM15 £4.70 DM15 £4.70 DM28 £8.75
944 REGISTER FACTORY VISIT 'EUROPEAN GT' APPLICATION FORM
PCGB Membership No...............
Reg No 944 ...................
Model Driver's First Name and Surname..................
Passenger's First Name and Surname .....................
Contact Address ......................
Contact Phone No.............................
Tour Package Preferred (Please circle) A (Six day) B (Five day)
Single members: Would you be prepared to share a Twin Room with a fellow owner?
(* Delete as nec) YES / NO *
Deposit: £50 per person (Cheques payable to: Porsche Club Great Britain)
£ Deposit enclosed............
The Small Print 1. Unless the event is cancelled through lack of support, I
understand that the enclosed deposit is non-refundable. 2. I further understand
that the outstanding balance has to be paid in full by 31 January 2002. 3. I
will not hold Porsche Club GB; it's employees or the 944 Register Secretary
liable in the event of either personal injury to my passenger or myself or for
any damage sustained to my vehicle in the event of an accident.
Signed
. Date
.
Please return with large (A4) s.a.e. to: Martyn Cockram 1 Berwick Close Wilton
Park Beaconsfield Bucks HP9 2RB
UPDATE - 31st May, 2001 - from Martyn C
Hi all, I've just been speaking to the club's factory visits rep, Stephen Robinson, about our forthcoming trip. I have to book the actual factory visit through him for a couple of reasons, notwithstanding that he will as the official club contact get us the best deal. He has made a request to Stuttgart for our visit, but will not know for definite until about October time whether or not they will agree to it. It is however, unlikely that they will decline. One change that will have to be made to the intinery though, is that the factory visit will most probably now be on the Friday and not as publicised, the Thursday. Apparently by visiting on the Friday we should get the 'full monty' i.e. factory tour, lunch at the factory, visit to Weissach and a Porsche hosted dinner in the evening. This I'm sure you'll agree will be worth the change to the recent proposed intinery I sent out. For my part, it means that I will completely revise the route/stopovers/other activities etc and send out revise two of the intinery later in the year, once everything is firmed up. Whatever happens I still intend to include everything if at all possible. The only change perhaps being that we stay three nights at Adenau and miss out the Luxembourg hotel, which is after all only a stopover to reduce the driving time on the outward leg. By doing this we would still get time at the 'Ring. The only other point at this time is that we would have to hire a minibus on the day of the factory trip as there is no parking either at the factory or at Weissach for private cars. This will probably cost about £20 per person, but when you consider that the factory day including the meals will evidently be free, it's not too much to pay. Yours Martyn