VOSA Invites Limo Hire Industry to Ask
Following the announcement of new legislation for over eight passenger limousines, VOSA is inviting members of the limousine industry to find answers to vital questions.
VOSA
The Government agency will be hosting an exclusive seminar at Drive ‘09 – The Professional Drivers Event to find out the concerns of the industry and explain new laws.
Organisers are compiling questions from the industry which will be put to officials at the seminar on both days of the event.
Want to know what you need to do to keep within the law? Don’t understand the new legislation? Want to know what is happening about illegal operators? Now is the chance to ask.
See Drive 09 for more details.
Largest chauffeur, limousine and private hire trade show to highlight vital industry issues
Drive '09 Logo
The future of the chauffeur, limousine and private hire industries which are responsible for generating millions of pounds in the economy is in the spotlight during the industry’s biggest trade event this month.
A host of exclusive seminars will hear from a range of industry experts who will talk on issues such as how to get finance during the downturn, the future of the stretch limousine market and workshops designed to be a helping hand into the industry will be held at Drive ’09 – The Professional Driver’s Event on September 26 and 27th.
Like many other categories, the recession has made it difficult for operators to expand their businesses, however the world’s largest car manufacturers are supporting the event which is to host a number of UK debuts including the all-new Jaguar XJ, Mercedes-Benz facelift S-Class, BMW 530d Gran Turismo, Lexus RX450h and LS600hL along with the recently announced Porsche Panamera.
Other issues which are to be tackled is the use of the bus lanes in London by Private Hire drivers. A specially formed ‘Bus Lane Committee’ will host a discussion forum about its plans and will launch a campaign video which is designed to highlight issues faced by the capitals operators.
Funding issues for new businesses will also be in the spotlight, as well as a presentation by The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) with vital advice on new limousine laws, the agency will also be educating current owners of how to stay legal and avoid prosecution.
For the first time, visitors will be able to test all the latest automotive hardware in a controlled environment on an exclusive test track at the Transport Research Laboratory. Audi, Citroen, Renault, Skoda and Toyota have just announced their attendance and in all, over 40 vehicles will be available to drive on track.
Thousands of trade members are expected to visit Drive ’09 – The Professional Drivers Event when it is opened at the Transport Research Laboratory in Berkshire on 26th and 27th September 2009.
Members of the trades can attend the event for free, but are encouraged to pre-register via the official website at drive09.co.uk to avoid a charge on the gate. Alternatively, visitors can call 0844 545 0063 to register.
Visitors can also be in with the chance of winning £500 of free fuel when they attend, or even win an exclusive BMW racing day.
Limousine hire industry could be killed warns operator
VOSA
Thousands of stretched limousines across the country could be made redundant from next month if new legislation’s are not taken seriously.
Letters were sent to limousine operators this week by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) giving them twenty days to get vehicles certified to Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF) standards if their vehicles carry more than eight passengers.
They were also told to make sure they hold a valid Operators Licence, or risk having their vehicles impounded under the new legislation which come into effect in October.
Nick Clarke, owner of Star Limousines based in East Sussex told thechauffeur.com; “Most of the industry received letters this week notifying them of the changes. It basically means that operators like us who run vehicles such as Hummer H2 limousine will have to obtain a COIF certificate if we want to continue trading.”
He added; “Unfortunately this cannot happen overnight and can take weeks to complete and costs around £15,000. Also it takes a minimum of six weeks to get an operators licence. I do fear that many operators will simply disappear when this legislation is enforced.”
Operators throughout the country are being encouraged to attend the UK’s biggest trade event for the limousine and chauffeur industry to hear VOSA talk about the new legislation. The event takes place on 26th and 27th September 2009 at the Transport Research Laboratory, near Bracknell, Berkshire.
To attend, visit www.drive09.co.uk and register free-of-charge.
Chauffeurs to debate the use of London’s bus lanes
Chauffeurs to debate use of bus lanes
As part of a series of seminars taking place at this year’s industry event Drive ’09 chauffeurs will debate the usage of London’s bus lanes. The discussion will form part of the campaign which is fighting to allow chauffeurs and private hire drivers the use of the exclusive lanes in the country’s busiest city.
Drive ’09 will take place on September 26th and 27th at the Transport Research Laboratory. The event is a must for those involved in or working in the transport industry. As well as range of seminars and discussions due to take place there will also be exclusive displays and launches of brand new vehicles including the new model from Jaguar and Bentley. There will also be a range of luxury American limousines on display which will be of particular interest to those working within the limo hire industry.
A committee was formed earlier this year to look into forming a strategy to tackle chauffeur’s inability to utilise the bus lanes of London. Many chauffeurs and private hire drivers feel discriminated against at being unable to use the lanes as it restricting their ability to work effectively. Recently supporters of the campaign were invited to make a donation of £1 each to help support the cause. A forum has also been set up in order to provide chauffeurs and those affected by the bus lane restrictions to voice their opinions.
Those private hire drivers and chauffeurs wishing to learn more about the campaign and other seminars taking place at Drive ’09 can sign up for free to be permitted entrance to a range of informative discussions at the two day event.
Jaguar XFR on offer for hot laps for few lucky chauffeur guests
Jaguar XFR
Jaguar will be offering a few lucky guests some hot laps in the 510bhp Jaguar XFR, the award-winning performance saloon that is capable of 0-60mph in just 4.7 seconds.
It should prove an exhilarating experience: a barely-modified XFR recently set a new Jaguar land speed record at 225.67mph.
Drive ‘09 is open to all members of the chauffeur, limousine and private hire markets free of charge. Visitors can benefit from an exclusive seminar programme covering a variety of important issues, and see trade stands for insurance, finance, computer booking software and government organisations.
Visitors can register by visiting www.drive09.co.uk
Thanks to TheChauffeur.com for content.
Discover the true luxury from Carisma Automotive at Drive ‘09
Carisma Automotive Design
One of the world’s leading manufacturers of bespoke interiors is to reveal its latest luxury offerings at Drive’09.
Established in 1997, Carisma Automotive Design is one of the world’s leading design and manufacturers of fine bespoke automotive interiors.
Carisma provides world class coach trimming, bespoke interior panel work & cabinet making, custom seating and audio/visual entertainment systems.
In addition to the company’s services, Carisma offers a range of luxury vehicle conversions based on the Mercedes Viano. Our flagship conversion the “V1 1st Class Luxury Lounge” shall make its debut show appearance at Drive09.
The company is inviting visitors to see a Mercedes Viano like no other, a car like no other, an exquisite interior offering spacious luxurious surroundings, comfort and utility.
Professional Drivers can register for the event FREE online at drive09.co.uk
Content provided by Paul Gibson, Editor of TheChauffeur.com
Chauffeurs urged to avoid M25 Motorway due to closure
M25 Motorway
Chauffeurs are being warned to avoid the Western area of the M25 today (Wed 26th Aug) as there is already 20 mles of delays.
The motorway has been closed both ways due to a gas leak and is not expected to be re-opened until 4pm. Chauffeurs are being warned to find alternative routes to Heathrow airport to collect clients to avoid delays.
Delays are expected on M25, M3 ad M4 motorways.
News supplied by thechauffeur.com
NEWS | FEATURES | REVIEWS AND CLASSIFIEDS
Dodge Charger and new Party Bus limo to be revealed at Drive ‘09
Grand Illusion Party Bus Limo
1st4Limosales is unveiling and launching a brand-new stretch limousine at Drive 09, built specifically for the UK market.
As well as the launch of the The new Dodge Charger 120 inch stretch (Icon Demon), 1st4Limosales’s will also be launching their top quality, high impact and fully C.O.I.F.’ed, 16 passenger Grand Illusion Limo Coach/Limo Party Bus.
1st4Limoslaes is ECB’s UK exclusive dealer. ECB is recognised as the world’s premier stretch limousine builder, made famous by its stunning range of ICON stretch limousines.
More details are available at the official show website: drive09.co.uk
Porsche announces chauffeur debut of the ‘Porsche Panamera’
The Porsche Panamera
The manufacturers first four-seat model, the Panamera will make one of its first UK appearances at Drive ’09, displaying its luxury interior and stunning V8 performance.
Porsche has confirmed UK prices for the Panamera which goes on sale on 12 September 2009. The four door performance car will be priced from £72,266 for the Panamera S, £77,269 for the Panamera 4S and £95,298 for the top of the range Panamera Turbo.
The Porsche Panamera will be available with powerful and efficient V8 power units, the choice of rear or four-wheel drive, and an interior design with a uniquely luxurious and high technology ambience.
Other vehicles which are debuting to the industry at the event are the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and facelift S-Class, whilst BMW will be showcasing its stunning 530d Gran Torismo and new 7-Series models.
Register now for Drive 09 – The Professional Drivers Event, to be one of the first to see these stunning vehicles at www.drive09.co.uk.
Source: thechauffeur.com
Citroen to present its top cars at Drive ‘09
Citroen Logo
The Drive 09 is a 2 day event due to take place over the last weekend of September on 26th and 27th renowned for hosting to some of the biggest names in the motoring industry. This year French car manufacturer Citroen has confirmed they will be present to showcase a selection of their award-winning vehicles.
Citroen bosses will present their highly acclaimed C6 and C5 Tourer vehicles. Visitors to Drive ’09 will be offered the chance to test drive these Citroen models and put them through their paces on the private motor track.
The Citroen C5 model has an on the road price of £18,295 and is described as a luxury tourer which combines “style, technology, comfort, boot space and practicality.” Attend Drive ’09 and you’ll be able to put your questions regarding the Citroen model directly to the company officials and experience a full demonstration by professional drivers.
This unique event allows motoring industry professionals the chance to explore the latest developments within the automobile trade. It is one of the largest events of its kind in the U.K with the widest range of vehicles on display.
This year Drive ’09 takes place at the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Wokingham, Berkshire and is expected to be flooded by visitors from the professional car hire industry, including chauffeurs, mechanics or business owners involved in the limousine, taxi or private hire business. So for your chance to beat the crowds and be the first to get your hands on the most innovative and exciting vehicles, head down to Drive ’09 this September.
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