Economic conditions are tough these days, as the chauffeured transportation industry has clearly learned this year. BusinessWeek profiled large corporations going through financial crises -
click here to read the story and check out whether any of these are your corporate accounts. Also click on the link for "View Slide Show" at the beginning of the feature, which breaks out each company and its financial numbers.
FROM JIM LUFF: "Whether you’re at a private FBO, a commercial airport or even the AmTrak station, missing a passenger sets off major panic and alarms."
What's it like to go through this type of panic attack?
Read full story
DUMPSTER DIVING: The economic scare-talk has reached a fever-pitch the last few months, with many industries, including chauffeured transportation, bracing for a recession. Pols and pundits have us all heading into a blighted dumpster.
Well the numbers are in. The verdict: technically, not a recession. Growth may be scant, but a recession happens when you have TWO QUARTERS of negative growth -- not one quarter, two months or five months -- but six full months. So the earliest we'll know for sure is when numbers are crunched by early October. That's a lot of time for things to change for the better.
In speaking with operators around the country this week and last, we at LCT have found several who are hurting, with revenues down 10-15 percent. But just as many are seeing increased demand and growth, showing that even economic slowdowns vary widely among all the 50 states. In fact, our own Jim Luff, an operator in Bakersfield, Ca., reports his company has been inundated these last few weeks with a demand exceeding 30 percent over last year.
Once the Fed starts raising rates again, food and gas prices will likely decline. So limousine operators may want to encourage current and potential clients to spend their stimulus checks on . . .
what else?
-- posted by Martin Romjue
RED, WHITE, BLUE & GREEN: Pictured is the most popular
chauffeured vehicle in the United Kingdom.
There are many reasons why, but the most encouraging sign is that no luxury, no amenity, and no creature comfort has been sacrificed in this green vehicle.
If
Toyota can do it, why not everyone else? We're curious if the technology and economics would support a stretch version some day.
Even cutting fuel costs by a third could be the key to survival for many smaller operators.
TEENS BELONG IN LIMOUSINES: With high school prom season in full swing, the limousine option looks better, safer, and more green-friendly with each passing year. For teens, riding in a limousine is more exciting and memorable than borrowing a parent's car or driving a used compact (typical teen car).
This blog entry underscores what is obvious to operators, but nicely sums up the main points for any marketing pitch to teens and parents during prom season. Four couples sharing a limousine for the evening takes four drivers and three cars off the road. Less carbon driving and less global imbibing -- now that's a win-win concept. -- M.R.
PROM AND GRADUATION SEASON: Showing proof of a legal operator license is good for business. Prospective clients are increasingly being made aware of the importance of doing business with limousine operators that are licensed and legal. In many states, consumers can verify an operator's status by contacting the Public Utilities Commission. A good public relations tactic for an operator is to become an authority in the local media on the subject of doing business with certified, legal chauffeured transportation providers. Operators should consider sponsoring public service announcements in high school publications and on school websites, as well as local homeowner association newsletters and websites.
According to Business Travel News, "
Two major chauffeured transportation companies are reducing or eliminating fuel surcharges on hybrid vehicles as an incentive to travelers." Click here to read the article.
BEWARE OF BIOFUELS: As food prices soar, a global backlash is growing against biofuels. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is the latest high-profile government official to concede that using vaster amounts of croplands for ethanol contributes to
escalating food prices. One U.N. official recently called biofuels a "
crime against humanity." The biofuel industry cannot sustain itself on the free energy market with normal supply and demand ratios. That's why the industry requires constant subsidies and incentives from governments and taxpayers. Third World countries, which deal with food inflation and shortages unthinkable in the U.S., suffer the most from the diversion of agricultural production to ethanol and biofuels.
EATING PAINS: Chauffeured transportation operators should take a long, critical look at biofuel vehicles. More sensible options, such has hybrid, propane, natural gas, and fuel cell engines, are in aggressive development. Remember, your average American struggling with high-food costs now pays far more for such basic staples as cereal and milk. Unfortunately, hysteria over global warming has prompted the political zealotry behind biofuel that constricts food supplies and drives up prices. Food banks in the U.S. are being inundated with people unable to cope with rising food bills. Since so many crops are now being used for fuels that really don't reduce carbon emissions when you factor in the energy needed to produce them in the first place, maybe biofuel advocates can try some ethanol on a bowl of cereal or some switchgrass on a morning muffin. That certainly would be comparable to the unpleasant tastes and choices forced upon many consumers worldwide.
SOLUTION: Chauffeured transportation companies and their clients should boycott biofuel vehicles and insist on either fossil-fueled cars or hybrids until more usable fuel-cell, propane, electric, and natural gas vehicles are developed and adapted for mass transportation uses.
ASK YOURSELF: Is a hungry child worth an elitist, ill-informed, preening eco-statement?
-- posted by Martin Romjue
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging consumers to check the backgrounds of limousine carriers to verify that they are authorized and properly insured. Most state agencies want transportation companies properly certified - this is a growing trend for the industry.
Read full story
MONEY-MAKER: Limousines out-class every other sector of ground transportation, but is there a marketing idea here in the accompanying photo? And in this photo? Ad sponsorships are routine in taxis, buses, and race cars. Could a chauffeured transportation company earn extra revenue by posting ad banners or temporarily painted logos on some of their vehicles for a limited time? Would it conflict with the classy, sophisticated image of chauffeured vehicles? If the recession intensifies and operators need revenue, this idea may look more like a smooth move than a sell out.
SAFE, SAUCED, AND COMFORTABLE: I spoke with an operator in San Antonio, Texas this week who said he is pursuing business among some of the least desirable clients: drunks. Jeff Williams, owner of A VIP Limousine Service Inc., says he offers pre-paid accounts or hours for clients who may be in a situation where they've drunk too much to drive home. Such a client can call VIP and get a chauffeured ride home. I would assume the vehicle would depend on whatever is available, so the sauced client could end up in a sedan, SUV, or limousine.
This is actually a sensible idea. For the psychology of a typical drunk motorist follows this sequence: I've had too much to drink, I shouldn't drive home, but I really don't want to leave my car, I don't have money for a cab, I don't want to ask for a ride, etc. But the allure of a comfortable, luxurious ride home in a limousine or sedan may remove some of the dread of the next morning's hassle of retrieving a vehicle left overnight. (Maybe a client could have the limo return the next morning to take him to his abandoned car).
What's more, this may be a great idea to market to parents of teen-agers. The latest information from AAA shows teen driving costs hit $34 BILLION nationwide.Parents could make pre-paid arrangements with a chauffeured transportation company for their teen-agers to get a ride in the event they can't drive home or don't have a safe ride. The teen-ager could carry a gift-card type pass with the name and number of the chauffeured company in case he or she needs it. That way, a teen-ager might be more inclined to play it safe knowing a limo can get them home.
-- posted by Martin Romjue
It's good to see the limo industry become more active in online chats, blogs, forums, etc. We were just told about a new support group for small operators on Yahoo! called Limosmallops.
Click here to see the home page, which has a new user sign up button at the top of the page. Discussion topics include saving money on car loan rates and dealing with sharp gas price increases. The description reads: "This group has formed to brainstorm & offer support to small limousine company operators as they seek solutions to common problems. We will work to develop co-operative marketing strategies and better operational practices to improve and strengthen our companies."
Whenever we ask operators about using alternative fuel vehicles in their fleets, they inevitably complain about the lack of fuel stations in their area and how to find them. Hybrids are different since they're powered by gasoline engines, but all the rest are tricky - ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, propane, and hydrogen. (If you're in Iowa or nearby states, you're probably near fuel stations offering ethanol, which is a plus). The U.S. Dept. of Energy offers a helpful site for finding alternative fuel stations across the country. You can search by fuel type, city/state, and zip code.
Click here to check it out.
ROYAL FLEET: Queen Elizabeth II obviously benefits from the finest in everything, including limousines. You can learn more about her official 2002
Bentley State Limousine stretch and see a
photo gallery. We mean no disrespect to the Queen, who by all accounts is a sweet, gracious, pampered lady born and cultivated into circumstances well beyond her control. But the Bentley, despite its impeccable engineering and graceful body, seems a bit stuffy, even for the
immaculately coiffured matriarch upon the throne.
So we would like to envision the queen in something a bit more
sporty and flamboyant, but with a British heritage. While the Queen has never had to deal with the daily stresses of common folk, and likely has everything planned and scheduled for her, we would imagine that having to be attentive and endearing each day to everyone for an entire lifetime can be its own private hell. Therefore, we at LCT recommend a discreet royal limousine fleet that provides Her Majesty with
escapism,
adventure, and some
funky hip-hop action on wheels.
By the way, if Her Majesty ever gets crabby about the state of her royal livery, would that qualify her as a
bitchy queen?
MEDICAL ALERT: You thought your day was stressful and action packed? LCT contributing writer and veteran operator Jim Luff tells what it's like to provide transportation for an organ recovery company.
Read full story
GLOBAL OPERATORS: LCT Magazine is thrilled with the fact that 10 percent of all participants at our ILCT Show in Las Vegas last month hailed from other nations. Such diversity is crucial to growing this industry and capitalizing on new insights and trends. This International Herald Tribune
blog post about a
Belgian operator shows some of the sophisticated traits of a European chauffeured vehicle company: green vehicles, multi-lingual chauffeurs, and a thorough knowledge of tourism and travel. We must not forget that European operators succeed in a business, economic, and regulatory climate much tougher than the one in the U.S. For example, operators in the U.K. typically pay more than $8 for a gallon of diesel fuel. LCT hopes more U.S. and foreign operators interact and form alliances, not just in operations, but in knowledge as well.
YO GRANNY'S LIMO: Remember the Plymouth Grand Fury? For anyone born after San Francisco’s Summer of Love, the Fury sedan may be just a fleeting, youthful memory. So we admit to gasping upon seeing this “model” of a Plymouth Grand Fury VIP Stretch. It’s not an actual limousine, so to us it looks like another disturbing limo fantasy.
But we wonder, was there ever an actual Plymouth Fury Stretch, and what VIPs rode in them? Why would they want to? We can certainly understand the retro-cool of JFK-style limousines from that era, such as the Lincoln Continental stretch, but a Fury?! What amenities could a Fury possibly offer, other than bench-style seats and lap belts? And its carbon footprint probably would rival that of Sasquatch/Bigfoot. (Here’s another, more familiar Sasquatch, but we digress).
Fuel efficiency and aerodynamic styling obviously were not a priority four decades ago. We at LCT ask that if any of you have ever seen an actual Fury Stretch, or ridden in one, or even owned one as part of your fleet, please do not take offense. We’re only curious, and not here to make you, Furyious.
-- posted by Martin Romjue
MUTUAL BENEFIT: Now that the National Limousine Association has joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, it's a very good idea to find out what the organization has to offer the industry.
Click here to visit the website. Read about the Small Business of the Year award winner... President Bush speaking before a summit meeting... and click on the magazine link to read the latest news and management tips from the Chamber of Commerce.
Edmunds.com offers fuel saving advice. While rolling down limousine windows and turning off the air conditioning may not work for you, the suggestions are worth reading.
Read full story
EARTH DAY TIP: Navistar International Corp., a maker of trucks, engines, and commercial vehicle parts, offers some examples of how commercial vehicles can go green -- and clears up some misconceptions. Overall,
this Q&A can help the chauffeured transportation industry realize that it is only one piece of the transportation pie, and there is a greater green burden on trucks, public buses, school buses, and other sectors. This is an important point to remember as the chauffeured vehicle segment faces zealous pressure from Yo-Go-Green politicians such New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Singling out limousines and black vehicles as carbon culprits is a cheapshot. Getting multiple people into chauffeured vehicles -- whether fossil fueled or hybrid -- is one of the greenest and safest transportation alternatives available. And it's easy to do -- now.
Here's a portion of the presentation made last week before the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission on the "black car" 25 mpg program by Sergio Sanchez, Executive VP of Partners Executive Transportation. Sanchez lays out some of challenges faced by "luxury limousine" companies, and alternatives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Read full story
PULLING PRIUS: So far, our Loony Limos gallery has focused on the here and now: Tangible limousines actually rolling down the road. Today and tomorrow, we will venture into the world of limo fantasies. We’ll let you decide whether they are appropriate or not.
This limo fantasy will no doubt agitate the industry’s Green Club, many of whom have gone ga-ga over the hybrid Toyota Prius. Although there aren’t any stretch Priuses on the road, the adjoining photo shows what one WOULD look like. You see, the stretch portion of the pictured Prius has been photo-shopped in. Meet the culprit here. Hence, a penny for your Prius limo “thoughts,” or fantasies of what one would look like. Because right now, a penny is about all such a concept is worth.
While thoughts of a Prius stretch may elicit all types of Prius-dreaming, we at LCT must caution about a Prius nightmare: An overly stretched Prius stuffed with executives trying to juggle laptops, cellphones, Blackberries, copies of the WSJ, and bottled waters, only to find out there is not enough room for such onboard activity as the soft Prius engine labors and hums up a graded freeway or carpool lane.
We should hope that if this Prius fantasy every comes to fruition, and not turn into a nightmare, that an actual Prius stretch be a bit wider, smoother, and stronger than the current offerings. Customers — especially those in excess of 6-feet in height — still want convenience and comfort, and will approve of hybrid stretches once they retain all the amenities of their fossil-fueled brethren.
-- posted by Martin Romjue
BRIGHT BULBS: Rental car companies have emerged as potentially strong competitors to the chauffeured car industry. Today's announcement by Enterprise shows how the industry can quickly adapt and innovate through its economies of scale. Enterprise's green,
energy-saving idea makes sense. Is this something that could be copied or applied by chauffeured transportation companies?
MAYBACH MAGIC: If your fleet has a Maybach, then you really have mastered the road to premium luxury service. For some tantalizing photos and detailed stats on the Mercedes-Benz Maybach luxury chauffeured sedans, please check out
this blog. The reclining seats alone make it a breakthrough in chauffeured transportation.
As expected, the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission has altered regulations for the "black car" segment of registered transportation companies. Vehicles added to fleets after Jan. 1, 2009 must get at least 25 mpg, and after Jan. 1, 2010, must get 30 mpg. While most LCT readers are members of the "luxury limousine" category and aren't directly impacted by this decision, selling used Town Cars to "black car" operators will go away after Jan. 1, since Town Cars get 12-15 mpg. "Luxury limousine" operators are upset about this drastic change in fleet practices, and are worried their category will join black cars (and taxis) in the new regulations.
Click here to read the NYC TLC press release.
FACTS OF GREEN: Global warming has ascended as the big bogeyman of the 21st Century. The specter of it generates much anguish and soul-searching among governments and industries. Two articles out today, however, help crystallize some of the most relevant issues and questions for the chauffeured transportation industry.
Read full story
EXPO EXPERT: Arthur Messina brought his mastery of limousine marketing to the Greater California Livery Association Expo in Orange, Ca., this week, urging operators to not let up on the promotional gas despite the economic head winds.
Read full story
DIVINE TOUCH: With Pope Benedict XVI visiting the U.S., it recalls memories of the famous 1979 visit by Pope John Paul II. Pope John Paul II's visit was especially memorable for Richard Kane, president/CEO of International Limousine Service, Inc. of Washington, D.C., and the new NLA president, as well as for his brothers and sisters. The Kane family has been featured in several news stories on Washington, D.C.-based TV stations. Click
here to see one of the reports where you can watch Kane, as a 9-year old boy, present an honorary gift to Pope John Paul, which he might have dropped if his father wasn't carefully watching over him.
WHO’S LOOKING OUT FOR YOU? The keynote speaker at the Greater California Livery Association Expo in Orange, Ca., on April 15 could have qualified as a stand-up comic, a motivational speaker, or even a ball-park heckler.
Read full story
Y. Fray, the owner of ECO-LIMO in Santa Monica, Ca., has responded to a New York Times analysis posted this week about a backlash against ethanol fuel production. Her posting is an excellent primer on the different types of alternative fuels and how each reduces carbon emissions. For operators considering alternative fuel vehicles and needing some hard facts, please read below.
Read full story
See the NLA consumer website, which is called NLAride.com, for prom and wedding tips that you can pass along to your customers verbally and/or in your print or online client communications. Two sets of prom tips – one for teens, one for parents – are posted. In addition to recommendations for choosing service providers, it offers a search engine for identifying limousine operators – NLA members only – around the world.
The NLA is organizing a a communications program to support operator "green" programs. The goals are to broadcast what the industry is doing to be environmentally responsible, and help livery companies and suppliers find ways to proactively "green" their organizations. The NLA started by surveying members on their environmental practices, and received many replies. The NLA is taking this data and questions asked by members to inform members and the public about NLA's goals on this important issue.
DISCOUNT RIVAL: The Wall Street Journal features a story story today about Megabus, a discount U.S. coach operator expanding into several cities amid rising gas prices and travelers looking for cheaper alternatives. Megabus has seen passenger volumes double since last year, the Journal reports. Although the article is only available through an online or print subscription, the Associated Press did a
similar story in March. Key questions for the chauffeured transportation industry are: 1) Does Megabus potentially erode demand for chauffeured vehicles? 2) Are there competitive opportunities for operators who already have motorcoaches and para-transit buses in their fleets?
MONEY WORRIES? Gas prices may be taking a nasty bite, and a box of cereal certainly costs a lot more than it did a year ago, but the
latest report shows inflation is not rampant and we're not time traveling back to the 1970s. So many of your customers likely are not getting hit as hard as believed. Everyone, please calm down.
Airport administrators are squeezing the vice on chauffeured transportation companies. Last night's Greater California Livery Association meeting was inspiring for members feeling the pinch...
Read full story
ARABS LOVE AUDIS: While barely a blip in the U.S. chauffeured vehicle market, the Audi sedans appear to have growing appeal in foreign nations. Such models may become worthwhile options for American operators looking to diversify fleets, enhance efficiencies, and add a touch of European engineering and sophistication to their services. Read about Audi's success among the lucrative chauffeured transportation market in the
United Arab Emirates.
BIO-FUELS COULD BE BAD FOR INDUSTRY: With the push toward alternative fuel-vehicles, the limousine and chauffeured transportation industry must weigh its options carefully. Studies have shown that ethanol-fueled (E-85) vehicles may not necessarily contribute to a greener climate since the energy used to produce and process ethanol cancels out any reduction in fossil fuel usage and emissions. A
recent analysis in the New York Times reports a growing global backlash against the ethanol industry because it gobbles up croplands for ethanol production that otherwise would produce corn, wheat, and other food commodity staples. That, in turn, squeezes food supplies and aggravates food inflation. Before investing in E-85 vehicles, chauffeured transportation operators must ask some tough questons:
1) Do enthanol vehicles actually reduce carbon emissions? 2) Are enthanol-fueled vehicles the most economical route to fuel cost savings and reduction of pollutants? 3) Does the chauffeured transportation industry want to risk a negative image of contributing to high food inflation and possible food shortages by promoting the use of ethanol-fueled vehicles?
Please click the feedback link below and share your insights and experiences.
-- posted by Martin Romjue
JIGGLING BARREL OF A LIMO: The chauffeured transportation industry is awash in ideas and suggestions on how to go green. Now we can add the Smart Car to the list. Popularized by the Europeans, the Smart Car is cheap and petite, and small enough to navigate just about any city sidewalk. This stretch version makes us curious; while it undoubtedly gets good gas mileage, does this really satisfy the lust for good livery? Would your clients want to be seen in this itty-bitty smarty-panty of a little limousine, other than those making an "ecological statement?" And how would it compare to a stretch Prius? At first glance, this Smart Car Limo reminds us of that Red Bull promotional vehicle; the Austin Mini with a huge Red Bull can on top. Or the Oscar Meyer Wiener mobile, the bright yellow and orange sausage on wheels.
We also need to bring up a sensitive subject here: weight and obesity. After dining at a steakhouse recently, I felt a bit heavy- laden with cooked cattle and liquor, so thank goodness our limousine was the trusted V-8 Town Car stretch. What if, say, multiple portly passengers roll into the belly of the
Smart Car Limo -- will the bumble bee of an engine be able to haul their largesse at freeway speeds? Would the wheels fly off? We at LCT are not convinced this Smart Car Limo is the path to a greener future. I think we'll still opt for the comforts of the Lincolns, Caddies, and Chryslers -- even at $4 a gallon.
-- posted by Martin Romjue
For limousine operators looking for more business in the wedding niche, we suggest you visit the website of the Association for Wedding Professionals International. As the site says: "AFWPI is an international organization dedicated to providing quality service and a central source of information and referrals - for those planning weddings and those who service weddings." Click
here to visit the site.
BostonCoach's decision to eliminate 45 call center staff positions comes at a time when many industry companies become deeply concerned about economic trends impacting their bottom lines. As the article reads: "But it also comes at a time of growing financial pressure on the limousine industry, both because of falling demand from corporate customers tied to a slowing economy, and rising fuel costs that are increasing expenses." Click here to read the Boston Globe article.
BIG GREEN BUSES: One of the greenest things a motorist can do is to take advantage of limousine, chauffeured car, and motorcoach services. The more people who can comfortably pool a chauffeured ride, the less cars on the road and less money spent on gas. This
Web site entry makes a strong argument for using motorcoaches, which are becoming more varied and elaborate with increased amenities. While still a small segment of chauffeured transportation, buses of all sizes bring tremendous growth potential to this industry. -- posted by Martin Romjue
The limousine life is a lifestyle as opposed to a “normal” job. We run 24/7, 365 days a year and almost every day there is some wrench thrown into our daily mix. It certainly keeps you on your toes. Some last minute changes or issues can wreak havoc on your day where others are merely a speed bump in life that must be addressed......
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All American Wineries is a central website for those interested in researching the winery business. This is a growing segment for the chauffeured transportation industry across the country. This website offers a winery locator by state, laws affecting that industry, links to other wine-related sites, and other interesting links. For a site visit, click
here.
TASTELESS TRAVESTY: This Ukranian limousine reminds us of a 60-year-old actress with a mangled facelift. Or some scene in "Boogie Nights" where a rug-chested industry producer shows up at the pool party.
How would an operator even market this sleek hunk of skank: "A Tawdry Night with a Bawdy Driver?" "Archie Bunker's Everyday Limousine?" "Prom Dreams in Pyongyang?"
We must admit the lacy white curtains are a homey touch for those mobile peek-a-boo moments. Just draw open the curtains at sunrise and let the morning light shine on in! You'll be sure to outclass everyone when you pull up in this at a Motel 6.
Enjoy more information, photos, and commentary on the
stretch that makes you wretch.
posted by Martin Romjue
Business Travel News has just released The 2008 Business Travel Buyer's Handbook. Jeff Greene, president of Greene Classic Limousines, and Mark Munoz, COO of BostonCoach, assisted with the article on the chauffeured transportation industry. Click here to read.
EURO-HINT: A United Kingdom livery trade magazine, The Chauffeur, recently picked its best chauffeured car of the year. It's not an American nor European brand. The maker doesn't build stretch models, either. With the use of the Audi A-8 at the World Economic Forum, and with this latest selection, do we see another European trend making its way across the Pond? American operators, take note. This option could save you money. Seat massages are a bonus, too. Read about the
British livery verdict.
CHAUFFEURED CARS GROW IN CHINA: One of the key issues facing the chauffeured transportation industry is the advance of rental car companies into the chauffeured sector. Avis entered the competitive landscape last October when it bought a $120 million stake in Carey International. Now, it has grown its chauffeured car services to 14 major cities in China, which is emerging as a major market for all types of vehicles.
Scott Solombrino, CEO of Dav El Chauffeured Transportation in Boston, told the opening session of the International LCT Show last month that rental car companies and their economies of scale loom as the biggest competitive challenge to the chauffeured vehicle industry. As Avis tries harder, chauffeured operators need to work smarter.
For another example of such competition, see
story here.
HAVING HYBRIDS: Cars.com recently ranked American cities based on how many people search online for hybrid new cars. This could provide some insights to operators who are considering green fleet additions, since areas heavy on green cars also might produce more clients intent on renting green chauffeured vehicles.
Study and rankings.
SENSIBLY GREEN: The elites who gather each year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland will be chauffeured in a car that hopefully will gather market share in America. It's efficient, classy, comfortable, and a bit less "carbony." Check it out
here.
3rd in a series of landing the casino account from Jim Luff
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FOREVER IN BLACK: Black sedans, limousines, and SUVs are so commonplace that everyone takes the color for granted. But why has black remained the steadfast color of choice decade after decade? One blogger has some
answers. Please offer any further insights on Feedback.
LCT Leadership Summit is just around the corner in a beach-front Ritz-Carlton... the first-ever LCT Canada event coming up in July... and the fourth annual LCT East at the popular Mohegan Sun.
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Lexus chief executive, John Roca, gave up a number of product details in an interview this past weekend...
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RETRO-CHIC CHEAP: For $25,000, you can get a 1981 Ferrari 400 limousine. It's definitely more unique than most other classic limousines. This elegant slice of Italian ingenuity will bring back an era when inflation was high, the 55 mph speed limit was too low, and the socially-conscious among us worried about global cooling and running out of heating oil.
And, yes, the V-12 likely gulps enough gas to get the same MPG as a Boeing 777, but then gas prices in 1981 were either at or slightly ahead of what they are now when adjusted for inflation. Yet everyone kept on driving and surviving.
There likely would be enough retro-hipsters in tuxes who would pay a fuel surcharge on this limo rental in order to experience an evening of James Bondian transportation. So this is an opportunity for an operator to stand out and be cool.
To learn more and see more pix,
click here.
-- posted by Martin Romjue
DONE WITH DIAPERS: Our blog has finally made it beyond the toddler stage. We’ve figured out a few more things and added some features:
1) We didn’t realize that your feedback comments were not posting properly. We took care of the blockage, and now you can instantly respond to any post. Whatever you sent before is now posted.
2) We’ve added some relevant links down the right side of the blog that provide a one-stop hub of industry information, advice, and business news. Check out some of the sites and blogs that can help keep you up to date. We are now worth at least a bookmark.
3) If you are interested in any past posts, they are listed in our archives in reverse chronological order. This blog program does not allow "Previous/Next" functions .
4) To see our ongoing gallery of LOONY LIMOS, click on "Loony Limos" category. Most should be listed there.
Thanks for all your patience. Now it’s on to our cyber-adolescence.
-- The editor-bloggers
Silent Dispatch is sponsoring a brand new ground transportation industry blog that is worth seeing and it's called In the Left Lane. It's described as "Exploring the Intersection of Telematics, Social Media, and Ground Transportation." LimoLicious is also linked on the blog, and other industry sites that are helpful to go visit.
Click here to visit In the Left Lane.
Houston-based Nikko’s Transportation Service earned an industry milestone recently by buying the first ever Cadillac DTS-L sedan.
Nikko’s pre-bought the vehicle before it was displayed in Las Vegas at the 2008 International LCT Show on March 17-19.
“We are thrilled to have DTS-L number one,” said Nick Assolin, President and CEO of Nikko’s. “These types of purchases strengthen our campaign for the highest customer service a traveler can find. The DTS-L will take our service to new heights and at the same time reinforce our relationship with Cadillac.”
Nikko’s has a fleet that is made up of 90% GM vehicles.
"This extends the Cadillac Professional Vehicle portfolio into an influential segment of the luxury market,” said Kurt Ghering, marketing manager for the DTS. The DTS-L is being produced along by Cadillac Professional Vehicles and their Cadillac Master Coachbuilders (CMC). The first DTS-L was produced by Springfield, Mo.-based DaBryan, a division of Accubuilt. The vehicle features an extra six inches of legroom, power rear sunshade, vanity flip down mirrors for rear seat passengers, foot rests, directional LED reading lights and XM Radio.
“The DTS-L will become the foundation of our sedan fleet,” Assolin said. “Production of the vehicle is somewhat limited as of now, but we have orders for more and are looking forward to the new experience our clients will have with this vehicle.”
Nikko's was established in 1982 and is a premier worldwide chauffeured service that caters its services to the high end executive and corporate markets worldwide. Information: 1-866-571-5466; www.nikkoslimos.com.
Pictured above: Matt Assolin, vice president of operations; Nick Assolin, President/CEO of Nikko’s Transportation Service at the 2008 International LCT Show
-- posted by Martin Romjue
So where does the word “limousine” come from, and what does it mean to this industry? Many companies still have this word in their corporate names, but have hardly any stretch limos left in their fleets. Does this word still work well for the industry?
Read full story
No one doubts that the comely bride of French President Nicolas Sarkozy -- the divinely charmed Carla Bruni -- would lack in the ability to teach any man how to treat a lady.
But does she really know how to treat a limo? A recent ad campaign by Italian carmaker Lancia features the model-singer-French First Lady attending a limousine funeral.
We at LCT Magazine must admit we greeted this with a bit of morbid trepidation, but then we plateaued and realized this spectacle is just derigueur drama from the Italians and declasse cultural triumphalism from the French.
We are confident that limousines will remain beloved worldwide, including among jet-setting Euro-celebs, regardless of how green the globe goes. So to Carla, and the deathly drama, and the Euro-weeniness, we just bemusedly say, C'est La Vie.
-- posted by Martin Romjue
Before the limousine and chauffeured transportation industry starts spending money en masse on hybrids and ethanol-fueled vehicles, the industry may want to take the long view: What type of vehicle will ultimately be most effective in eliminating the need for fossil fuels, reduce air pollution, and make your company's coffers and surrounding environment greener? A study this week offers insights and encourages prudence. -- posted by Martin Romjue
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The Professional Car Society will host its 32nd Annual International Meet Aug. 5-9, 2008, at the Wyndham Hotel in Mt. Laurel, N. J. This show is popular for those who love historic limousines, hearses, and ambulances. Last year, the crowd loved two historic livery vehicles pictured here:
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How Jim Luff is going to stay with a potential casino account until he gets their business.
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Tony Brennan, LCW Automotive's director of research and development, is featured in an interesting story from the Boston Globe newspaper that also focuses on other production line staff. It's rare that coachbuilders receive this much focus in a major newspaper, so give it a read by clicking here.