HYBRID LUXURY: Who says hybrid technology must be confined to small cars and that the chauffeured transportation industry must settle for less? Mercedes unveils its hybrid version of the roomy S550 next month. One of the first reviews of the vehicle has
just been published.
FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT: This dreadful
"winning video" very likely will not do the trick in persuading more people to recycle and
go with E-85. It's all about the message. . .
LINDA MOORE: When did it become the norm not to take messages? I spoke to an operator and promised him to write a story about his company. .
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FUTURE LIVERY VEHICLE? The BMW 730d proves luxury and green can make for a good horse and carriage.
BUT. . . the $200,000 price tag puts it out of reach as a profitable vehicle for most US operators. Which is why I use the qualifier of "future."
The BMW 730d may be available now, but technology needs to continue evolving to make this concept more affordable. Greener, sophisticated luxury vehicles are on the right path but still have a long way to travel to achieve the right economies of scale for operators.
Until then, the more vehicle choices, the better. CLICK HERE for article. CLICK HERE for photo gallery. -- M.R.
NOT THE RECESSION: The
cap and trade scheme being cooked up this week with green zeal would decimate American economic growth. Despite
contrary scientific evidence that refutes man-made global warming, the unreliability of global warming data measurements, and lack of cooperation from mega-polluters China, Russia, and India, the cap-n-trade crowd doesn't want
facts or freedom to get in the way. -- M.R.
LINDA MOORE: We have not seen an economic environment such as this in our lifetimes. Our business in general is off about 30%, compared to this time last year. It is inevitable that with this kind of loss there will be some fallout for operators who just won’t be able to hang on.
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NUMBER OF OPERATORS: Here we go again -- one of this industry's red-flag-in-front-of-bull issues. A research report issued today is way off, both from the estimates of LCT and its leading competitor. . .
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NO REBOUND NEAR: Reuters reports this morning that Dav El Chauffeured Transportation Network's fleet is down 20% in vehicles compared to last year, and BostonCoach has cut its number of employees from 1,200 to 877. The fear factor of using luxury travel appears to be compounding the effects of the recession.
STORY HERE.
LINDA MOORE: August marks the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. I was 4-years-old when the muddy music lovefest occurred. Now, at 44, I see opportunities for operators. . .
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JIM LUFF: Not only are they not always right, many times they are so difficult to deal with that they should be directed to another livery service. . .
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LINDA MOORE: Drug manufacturers are still one of the few business segments spending regularly on group transportation. They often take doctors and medical personnel on trips to teach them the benefits of their products. As Congress looks at heath care reform, one of the casualties may be these trips. . .
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KEEPING SCORE: Small businesses aren't seeing much hope or change amid the declining credit environment. Chauffeured transportation operators with 10 or fewer vehicles are most vulnerable in this recession. The massive economic stimulus package was signed by Obama on Feb. 17; four months and counting, and no signs of a recovery for America's business backbone yet. -- M.R.
AUTO QUALITY RESULTS: Cadillac vaults from
No. 10 to No. 3; TOYOTA still on top. For all the stimulus taxpayer money and bailouts GM has taken, they'd better be moving up the rankings.
NO SACRIFICES: As I've written in LCT before, first-generation luxury hybrids such as the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid are a decent start -- a template for future advances in the green luxury vehicle market. The writer of
THIS REVIEW claims there are more cost-effective ways to save the planet than driving the Escalade. Well, technically, yes there are. I suppose we could all ride bicycles and live in wigwams powered by solar and wind. But the key to being green is to find energy-saving alternatives that DO NOT compromise our quality of life, products, comforts, and amenities. Capitalist consumers should continue to expect and demand the best as the world turns green. -- M.R.
LINDA MOORE: As a writer, I take for granted that everyone in this industry understands the difference between fact and opinion. I write both. The content in LCT Magazine is mostly factual/explanatory; the Driving Force e-newsletter emphasizes breaking news and some commentary; and LimoCentric is almost all opinion — with the opportunity for anyone to talk back live 24/7. Why am I stating the obvious?
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ON GLOBAL WARMING THEORY: Nothing like a
BIG PICTURE VIEW to stir the pot on a Monday. And something to consider before counting carbon credits, buying carbon offsets, capping and trading, and glorifying every green-labeled vehicle being hawked, whether it's truly an energy/money saver or not. -- M.R.
SIGN OF THE TIMES: The National Business Travel Association and may yet merge with the Association of Corporate Travel Executives. Key paragraph from Business Travel News:
"While the two organizations had discussed such a merger many times previously, the current economic reality appears to have made this most recent effort more substantial than prior discussions. It wasn't clear if the economy could continue to sustain two competing organizations, as some supplier sponsors supporting both organizations were seeking relief from the dual expense."
US AIRWAYS notices what could become a
solid upward pattern.
Limousine, CHARTER & TOUR: Emphasis on the C&T. One of the most promising market opportunities across chauffeured and chartered transportation lies with motorcoach and/or mini bus service, as. . . .
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10 THINGS A GAS STATION WON'T TELL YOU: This
helpful resource dispels some myths and provides a helpful guide to chauffeurs and operators pulling up to gas pumps daily.
TRIAL LAWYERS LURK: We bring you THIS AMULANCE CHASER AD to underscore the importance of maintaining every safety standard and insurance policy to the max. An at-fault accident for a chauffeured transportation operator or a charter/tour can devastate a business in the absence of solid safety practices and ample coverages. Chauffeured operators branching into motorcoach service should get updated on the fallout from bus crashes of late and fully embrace NTSB safety standards, including as-of-now voluntary installation of individual seatbelts. For a helpful resource, please consult LCT's Finance & Insurance web channel. -- M.R.
LETTING GO: In November I took the plunge and hired a personal assistant to help me organize my life and take care of business. To some, it may seem like a frivolous expense. . .
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SUVs ARE THE ONES WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR: As much as the government tries to steer green shoots of recovery toward smaller cars, Americans overall prefer the bigger, more comfortable vehicles, as. . .
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INNOVATION: A Texas entrepreneur has come up with a brilliant concept that points the way toward the future of "chartered" "jet-style" chauffeured transportation. And the Bed & Breakfast market is one waiting to be tapped. Let's hope
THIS WORKS.
EXTENDED STAY IN BANKRUPTCY: No, don't just blame the recession. Snotty-mouthed politicians who have helped chill the business travel climate, along with companies cowering in the face of criticism, all share the blame as hospitality and transportation companies suffer the
loss of corporate business travel. It was all unnecessary. How about an "America Get Going" campaign to get business on the move? Make ALL business travel expenses, including chauffeured transportation, tax deductible to stimulate the private sector. A longshot, but worth mentioning. -- M.R.
PINK LIMOS CAN BE COOL: A New York operator has come up with an innovative concept for a worthwhile cause. . .
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LINDA MOORE: As many of you know, I spent a good portion of last week at the NLA Day on the Hill in Washington D.C. I walked across the Capitol many times, going from the House side to the Senate side and back. On one trek across, I saw a young couple taking photos on the Capitol steps. The young man who appeared to be in his 20s wore a T-shirt that said “New F*#$%^G York.”
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MISTAKES HAPPEN: Ahem, the Dallas Morning News gets us wrong in a story about Premiere Transportation Services of Dallas, a 2009 Operator Of The Year Award winner. . .
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GROWTH OPP: The latest
airline forecast looks bleak, with flights getting costlier, less frequent, and more cramped. But for chauffeured transportation operators and charter/tour operators, this could be a golden opportunity to market motorocoaches, shuttles, vans, limo buses, and even stretches, as superior, value-added alternatives, especially on inter-city commuter routes. One requirement: Make sure all vehicles are equipped with WiFi access and digital TVs if possible.
SEEN BEFORE, BUT STILL AMUSING: Visit www.oddee.com for a compilation of 15 strange limousines. Some have been featured before on LC. Only question and comment I have: Is No. 2 photoshopped?
And No. 4 should evoke gales of laughter from the sidewalks as it shimmies by like a tooty-fruity, swivel-hipped, compact little bubble-butt on the road. -- M.R.
BOOKING FACTS: Each year as LCT’s Fact Book lands in mailboxes, this industry seems to love to reengage a healthy mudfight over statistics and numbers, whether it’s total operators in the U.S., profit margins, fleet sizes, or just about any measuring stick applied to the chauffeured transportation industry. . . .
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DAY ON THE HILL: Eli Darland, owner of Seattle-based Rare Form Limousine, offers THIS EXCERPT on Tuesday's event, the annual industry lobbying effort on Capitol Hill. Darland, whose 4-vehicle company was featured in the October 2008 issue of LCT Magazine, is one limo entrepreneur who really "GETS IT": He blogs, maintains an innovative website, participates in the industry, offers creative package deals, equips his limos with high end entertainment-systems, and builds on his connections as a former night club promoter. He also actively engaged with speakers at the 2008 LCT Leadership Summit in Miami Beach. That's called leading by example. -- M.R.
MEDIA BLITZ: Billy Jinks, the 19-year-old founder and owner of Lexani Limousines, has gotten a lot of media attention, including from LCT, for owning a limousine company in a recession at an age when it's best to start being an entrepreneur. Videos are up HERE and HERE. Jennifer Lawhead of the Crosby/Wright public relations firm now handles interview requests.
GO GROUP-GROUND: While the
decline in biz travel hurts airlines and chauffeured services alike, the cheaper alternative of course is group ground transportation: vans, limo buses, motorcoaches, big SUVs. Chauffeured and charter operators should be looking for ways to meet the need and demand for more economical transportation. And don't forget the seats and legroom on most chauffeured vehicles are much more comfortable than economy class. Does the public know this for sure? -- M.R.
LINDA MOORE: A friend of mine relayed a story about an affiliate of his that royally messed up. He farmed the job for an all day charter for one of his top clients out of state. During the first hour of the charter, the chauffeur was stopped with the passenger in the vehicle and he was arrested for having a suspended license.
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HANDLING CHANGE: As the business travel industry faces seismic shifts in business travel preferences and patterns, leading industry groups are trying to sort out how to pool resources and pick battles.
UPDATE HERE.
LCT EAST COAST EDITOR Linda Moore has been busy this week attending a quarterly NLA board meeting and annual Capitol Hill lobbying event. Inspired by the experience, here is Linda's first dispatch. More to come on LCT's Driving Force e-newsletter and July print edition.
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FYI: For more information on E-85 vehicles, please
consult this resource. LCT Magazine strives to be an informational industry platform for a diversity of chauffeured fleet vehicles.
FIRST-YEAR FINISH LINE: Operators Pat Christofferson and Heidi Bunnell started a chauffeured transportation company just as the economy tipped into full-blow recession. The mother-daugther team, both former schoolteachers, mark their first year in the industry, with added clients despite the economic and industry challenges.
A local newspaper profiled Reprise Limousine today, three months after they were featured in the March issue of LCT Magazine.
SALES TAX SLAMS INDUSTRY: Another
example and summary of how chauffeured transportation companies are dealing with the new New York state sales tax on chauffeured vehicle services effective June 1. Industry efforts are underway to minimize its effects.
CONGRATULATIONS: To Alex and Jen Jaciw, owners of Palo Alto, Calif.-based Lone Star Limousine for being interviewed and photographed for a Wall Street Journal small business story about revising prices during a recession. (page B-5). That is prime media exposure.
Lone Star also will be mentioned in the July issue of LCT Magazine for winning a prestigious Silicon Valley area business service award.
JIM LUFF REPORTS: Our last and final full day at the resort proved to be just what a vacation, luxury, and anniversary day should be. Perfection was achieved and the day was spent in the lap of luxury from the time we woke up until the time heads hit the pillows.
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A horrible let down –
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VACATION LESSONS: Never stop networking or getting noticed; and never stop noticing all the customer service around you, as Jim Luff demonstrates. . .
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GCLA UPDATE: The richest, most populous state with the most chauffeured activity in the world appears headed into an economic Dark Age. The effects on operators are tragic and unnecessary. GCLA leaders sum up the situation. . .
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NEVER CLEVER: This
teen limo thief reminds one of a robber who leaves a business card. If you want to steal a car, get away, and hide it, suppose you should choose one that blends in with traffic? BOLO for a white stretch. . .
LCT WRITER AND VETERAN OPERATOR Jim Luff has ended up at a rough resort of sorts. Yes, the view and climate are great, but everything else reminds him of the need for good customer service. . .
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STARTED A LIMO COMPANY LAST YEAR: These stories are always popular with operators (we know because we see the numbers of hits for each blog post) -- and show what's possible.
SLEAZING LAS VEGAS: LCT's Driving Force e-newsletter features
an article today from the Las Vegas Sun about a lawsuit filed against taxi and limo companies and Vegas area strip clubs for allegedly creating illegal kickback schemes to bring customers. The article mentions limo companies but focuses on the taxi drivers. Without a precise breakdown, would the assumption be that it's more of a cab than limo problem?
RESORT TROUBLES BECOME TEACHABLE MOMENTS: Vacationing Jim Luff is taking lots of notes on bad customer service. Aside from wanting to make sure his resort never gets his repeat business, Jim sees a silver lining lesson in everything. . .
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SERVICE SCREW-UP: A limousine operator
sought by the Maryland Public Service Commission failed to show up for a prom run last month, but the stranded, disappointed Baltimore-area teen-agers eventually received a
complimentary limousine outing, courtesy of
limos.com, a national online limo reservation and referral service.
WHEW. We're glad we finally heard from Jim Luff, who is frolicking in coastal California wine country. If you recall, before he left he had to deal with a tragic employee death and a major leak on his business property. After finally getting away, his laptop crashed, delaying vacation updates. But he's managing to turn his vacation into lessons on customer service that can apply to operators everywhere. . .
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WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS' ASSOCIATION: Kristina Bouweiri, CEO of Reston Limousine, recently worked an after party for the annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, an annual roast and love fest among elite politicoes, old establishment media, and Hollywood celebs. Oh, and the President, too. Reston provided transportation for some of the after-party attendees. Bouweiri has posted about her experience and some celebrity shots. NOTE: Bouweiri is providing a good example of an operator blog, a valuable marketing tool in the new media age.
LCTMAG.COM: We've posted some preview information from our leading industry Fact Book today @ lctmag.com. The 2009-10 Fact Book documents through a statistically valid survey what has happened to the chauffeured transportation industry and how it's holding up during the worst recession since WWII.
Also posted today are findings from the first-ever Limousine Environmental Action Partnership benchmark green vehicles survey, and advice from LCT Publisher Sara Eastwood-McLean on navigating through difficult times.
The 2009-10 Fact Book also features the first-ever comprehensive snapshot of the charter and tour industry.
Look for more Fact Book highlights next week on all three of our web channels -- TECHNOLOGY, DRIVING GREEN, AND FINANCE & INSURANCE -- and in the Driving Force e-newsletter.
Print Fact Books are being mailed out. . .
CONTROLLING SUBSTANCES: With so much concern about prom teens and limo drinking, how would operators prevent the following limousine fiasco?
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RURAL CRASHES: The National Transportation Safety Board has
called upon the heads of the
American Bus Association and the
United Motorcoach Association to upgrade their
safety plans and procedures in the event of motorcoach crashes in remote areas.
PHILLY OPS prove that there are still serious forms of political activism that actually aim to improve the situations of business owners, i.e. limo operators. LCT covers the "March On Harrisburg". . .
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Nothing new here, but at least a reaffirmation that comfortable, safe, quality group ground transportation has a bright future, regardless of immediate economic concerns. Both greener vehicle engines along with the promotion of group luxury travel as a green concept capture the potential of both the chauffeured and charter transportation industries. . .
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