A review in Car & Driver points out that the electric Nissan Leaf Limo built by Imperial Limoland.com still needs to make some big gains in range. Most limousine companies will not invest in a vehicle that only gets a maximum of 58 miles in range before recharging for 12 hours. Unless a hotel is within a few miles of an airport, the limousine simply isn’t viable for transportation service. And the fact that it is a compact, however stretched, certainly qualifies it as ground transportation, but not of the luxury kind. Operators would not feel comfortable running a low-range electric vehicle between most downtown locations and outlying airports in most American cities. But until the range improves on electric vehicles overall, there is always a market for indulging green dreams at theme parks (Tomorrowland vehicles of the future?) or maybe using it as a high-end golf cart or shuttle showpiece at resorts with 18-hole courses. We look forward to the day technology and energy harnessing evolves to make large electric luxury vehicles stretchable with the same performance, cost, and profit potential as today’s fossil-fueled choices. Anything less is questionable. — Martin Romjue, LCT editor
The stretch limousine market is about to see a radical shift bringing more options to operators.
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When is it appropriate for office staff to text, web-surf and Facebook?
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Operators can visit Lincoln's website and build their own virtual 2013 MKZ sedan, which starts at $35,925, excluding $875 for delivery charges. Adding and subtracting features reflect on the estimated total price, which is a good way to forecast potential profit margins. The hybrid powertrain comes at no additional cost.
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A recent exchange in the Wall Street Journal outlines the battle lines for the limousine industry on the growing use of the Uber app.
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A Saturday night bus drama costs me a lot but keeps my customers moving.
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— Michael Campos, LCT associate editor
A new ad highlights the next-gen livery sedan’s high-performance Brembo brakes. Click through to watch the video.
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How you handle an angry, fuming client determines future business.
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A new smartphone application threatens the industry by allowing non-professional drivers in un-permitted vehicles to transport passengers and collect a fare.
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PRICE CHECK, PLEASE: The limousine industry has focused much concern on pricing since the Great Recession ushered in an era of bargain hunters and businesses willing to race to the bottom. New Jersey operator Bill Atkins has consistently stood for the opposite recessionary approach: Price to your value and back it up with quality and confidence. Atkins'
Red Bank Limo raised prices 5% on airport trips on June 1; the number of trips went up 17% last month compared to June 2011. Atkins told LCT: "You can raise your prices. You have to practice what makes you different and better and worth what you charge. So instead of discounting your price to compete, I say know in specific terms why your product or service is better for the customer.
Raise your price and your profits immediately will increase." Harvard Business Review offers this 4-STEP primer on using pricing strategy to boost sales. --- Martin Romjue, LCT editor
"ART-DECO DERRIERE": Auto reviewer for Toronto Star puts the matter of the 2013
Lincoln MKT's appearance into perspective.
HIRING HELP: The more you ask, the better decision you can make on hiring an applicant. Here is a ready checklist of tried and true questions covering many bases in a job interview.
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LCT EDITOR'S COLUMN: Limo operators frustrated with the economy and regulations during the last few years can support real change through the many industry groups trying to improve the business climate.
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According to Autoblog, Toyota is recalling the Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h crossovers for “unsecured or incompatible floor mat entrapment of the accelerator pedal.” 154,000 RX models are affected by the recall — 131,800 RX 350 and 22,200 RX 450h vehicles. This is an amendment to Toyota’s late-2009 recall. Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a safety recall notification by first class mail in early August, and Lexus dealers will resolve the situation at no cost to customers. —
Michael Campos, LCT associate editor