Centurion Auto Program
 

Anyone logged into the site recently? It's all new and there is a new program!

I contacted Amex right away as I have a trip coming up where I would like to try an exotic sports car or something cool. But they don't have much info on this yet. It seems the program will officially launch on the 24th and they will have more info on the site then.

They did say that the rental agency for LA is http://www.bhrentacar.com/los-angeles.htm !! Where is the drool emoticon?

Also, I got this...

The Centurion Auto Program will provide you with exclusive amenities and preferred pricing for 1) Premium Purchases 2) Luxury Rentals 3) Driving Experiences.

Details:

•Luxury Rentals - Centurion® members receive preferred pricing and complimentary Centurion perks with luxury rental companies serving New York, California, Las Vegas, Florida, Texas, and New Orleans.

•Rental benefits: Centurion members receive the same benefits across all providers.
1) 10% off rental rates
2) 50% additional mileage allowance
3) 6 hour flexible returns

Centurion Auto
 

American Express (NYSE:AXP) Does Auto


This service from American Express (NYSE:AXP) enables the holders of the Centurion Card to negotiate the price of a car through the Centurion Web site, without having to reveal any personal data. Moreover, they will get added perks on certain cars.

The vice president of public affairs for American Express (NYSE:AXP), Desiree Fish said that “Auto is something we haven’t done before. We wanted to do something robust.”

American Express Co. (NYSE:AXP) stocks were at 45.79 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a 16.5% change in the stock price over the past 3 months.

http://www.stocksandshares.tv/americ...s-auto/3202825

There is a restricted web page that has more info for Cent. holders. Here are the main bullets:


Premium Buying
The Centurion Auto Program presents the evolution of car buying–without hassles, haggles, and wasted time. Centurion members will find upfront pricing, and a convenient secure transaction process.



Premium Buying
The Centurion Auto Program presents the evolution of car buying–without hassles, haggles, and wasted time. Centurion members will find upfront pricing, and a convenient secure transaction process.


Driving Experiences
Centurion members are provided a variety of exciting driving experiences–on the track, off-road, and more–all with preferred pricing or complimentary Centurion perks.

It's a re-marketing of the 2010-introduced agreement with a couple of car rental/leasing companies.

As it wasn't very well publicized nor utilized (hmm, wonder why... "Centurion Limo Program" anyone?) a new PR email and flyer campaign went out to hype it.
They need to come up with some counter-spin to the head-on attacks of Chase and others trying to recruit the upper-end of their customer base.

Moderator action
 

I have combined the thread started in January 2011 with the short thread from November 2011, on the understanding that it is the same program.

Does this mean that payment with Centurion is required and dealerships will have no problems with it?

I remember looking into it briefly before we ordered a car in November and the following killed it + the fact that we have a trade-in:

"The Cardmember price is for in-stock vehicles as configured in this model and trim level. The savings displayed are representative of the savings you will receive by purchasing this vehicle though the participating dealer"

In this thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...g-program.html

There is brief discussion of another American Express auto purchasing program, which is outsourced to Zag.com

Can I use my American Express Card to purchase the vehicle?
All participating dealers have agreed to accept any American Express Card for at least a portion of your purchase. All dealers must accept at least $2,000 to help pay for a new or used vehicle. However, many dealers have committed to accepting a much higher dollar amount. The best thing to do is contact your certified participating dealer to confirm the maximum amount they will accept on your American Express Card.:

I tried some test quotes from the buying program, and it's not nearly as good as I could do myself. For the cars I looked at, (around $50k range), their price was around $3k-$4k over dealer cost (or $2k-$3k over dealer invoice).

Thanks, mia. I've followed those threads in the past, since we're interested in putting the whole amount on the card and would be willing to cover the finance charge. But what I meant was, under the Amex Auto Program is it required to pay with an enrolled Amex card?

Aviators, I do agree regarding quotes. I priced out the exact vehicle we ordered and turned out more than what we've negotiated.

Edit: mia, I don't know why, but I thought you were linking to this instead: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...-car-amex.html

Long day :)

Not sure exactly what you're asking. Are you referring to the need to have a Cent card and the Cent program or just the Amex Auto program?

With the Amex program you don't need to "enroll" in anything or use an Amex card at all for the purchase.

Under Amex Auto program, if I'm interested in the price they give me (which isn't good, after I priced out the same car that I have on order), am I obligated to use an Amex? Hope this makes more sense now :)

Asking out of curiosity, since the stipulation about "price is for vehicles in stock" doesn't make it appealing as well.