COIF’d Hummer Limo Vs. Party Bus Limo
Hummer Limo
We are now in a completely different era of stretched limousines compared to just a few years ago.
The Chrysler 300 and Hummer limousines literally changed the way the general public saw the industry as they started to demand exact vehicles rather than ‘just a limo’.
They’ve somehow become experts – knowing their H2’s from their H3’s and their gull-wings from suicide doors. So how does an operator continue to supply what they demand and stay on the right side of the law?
Party Bus Limo
Recent months have seen the announcement that a stretched Hummer H2 can now obtain a Certificate Of Initial Fitness (COIF) – this has taken many years and many hundreds of thousands of pounds to achieve.
However, this is not the only option for an operator who wishes to be bang up-to-date and own a vehicle with the COIF certificate. A number of UK sellers of American stretches have developed vehicles, all managing to clear the Single Vehicle Approval or Individual Vehicle Approval process (SVA/IVA) such as the Krystal Chrysler 300 and Hummer H3 limousines.
There have been some amazing developments within the limo bus market from a number of manufacturers – but can these really pass off as a ‘limousine’ by the client?
Ultimately, the limo buses are vans and minibuses with limousine style interiors. The vehicles used as a base are normally those from Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen which both have the ability to obtain a COIF.
Nick Clarke, managing director of Limo World UK thinks there could be a problem when a ‘converted minibus’ turns up on the customers doorstep.
“Limo Buses are great, however, limousine hire isn’t cheap, therefore, the client is always requiring a lot more in return. Although the interiors of the buses are excellent, and just as good as a traditional limousine, I fear that if I operated one, I would have disappointed customers when it turned up.”
He added; “With the advances of the Hummer COIF recently, it would be a no-brainer to purchase one of these as it is a proven brand and can actually cost the same to buy as some of the buses on the market.”
Obviously, there are ups and downs of each option. Limo Buses have the security of a manufacturers warranty, have great fuel economy and they are certainly a lot easier to drive around tight corners. On the down side, the concept of a converted minibus is still very new and rental charges can be lower than a Hummer for example.
A COIF’d Hummer H2 is obviously a fair size over the limo bus, but it is generally more desirable, rental charges are higher, it still fits the traditional ‘American limo’ label and it also comes with a warranty if bought new.
Nick added; “It can be a very difficult decision if you are replacing vehicles or adding to you fleet. The best piece of advice I could offer is listen to your customers – if you don’t supply what they demand, then it will fail.”
There is also good news for operators who already own an H2 – conversions can now be completed which can bring it up to COIF standards. There is more information on the company’s website at www.limoworlduk.com.
Drive ’09 launch seminar to promote legal limo message in conjunction with Limo World U.K.
Hummer H3 limo complies with new safety laws
With the introduction of brand new safety regulations affecting limos and any vehicle which carries over 8 passengers, Drive ’09 have organised an informative seminar to help explain the new rules. Limo World U.K and Krystal U.K. will be working in conjunction with the popular transport industry event to demonstrate their range of brand new limos which comply fully with the new laws.
The Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) will host the seminar and will be available to answer any questions posed by members of the limo hire industry. Over the past few weeks organisers of Drive ’09 have been compiling a list of questions to put to the official government agency which will hopefully clear up any queries relating to the safety regulations.
Drive ’09 is the biggest transport industry event in the U.K and this year it will take place at the Transport Research Laboratory in Berkshire. The two day event runs over this weekend September 26th-27th.
Limo World U.K. and Krystal U.K will be attending the seminar to showcase their fleet of ready to order limos. All of the vehicles offered have the crucial VOSA stamp of approval so customers can buy in confidence. With prices starting from as little as £25,000 you may just bag yourself a bargain.
As the only approved dealer for Krystal Enterprise in the country, you’ll find some truly exclusive limos amongst their extensive fleet. Orders are now being taken for the Krystal Hummer H3 limo which is SVA/IVA approved.
If you’re interested in attending this seminar register your details now for free at the Drive 09 website.
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.
Limo hire industry to learn its future at Drive ‘09 by VOSA
VOSA
VOSA is to host an important seminar to educate the industry of its future during the Drive 09 gathering this month.
The government agency is to discuss the role of the agency and the current situation regarding the compliance of the limousine industry. Following various crackdowns on illegal vehicles and operators over the years, owners are eager to find out exact rules on how to operate legally.
The seminar will cover the overall limousine process from designing, importing and purchasing a vehicle through to registration, limo hire operation and maintenance requirements. The aim of the seminar is to improve compliance within the industry and ensure the vehicles are run in a safe and legal manner.
Other issues tackled are the the future changes that are expected to impact on the industry such as the introduction the EC whole vehicle type approval scheme.
Operators, drivers and those looking to enter the industry are being urged to attend the seminar in an attempt to show their support to laying down firm laws.
Register free at www.drive09.co.uk or visit TheChauffeur.com
Chrysler (Baby Bentley) limo hire receives stamp of approval
The new Chrysler Icon Illusion Limo fully approved by VOSA
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has issued its approval to the new Chrysler limo. The 300c- based Icon Illusion limo is now the first stretch vehicle in its category to be fully sanctioned by the agency. Many believe the move will provide a much needed boost to the U.K limo hire industry.
The Chrysler Icon Illusion seats 8 passengers and has a price tag of £56,995 (excluding VAT) and a second limo is scheduled to be premiered at major transport industry event, Drive 09, at the end of September.
These new and improved Chrysler Limos offer many benefits over previous models. The Icon Illusion is 25% more fuel efficient in comparison to the Lincoln Town Car limo. These new models also feature the latest in cutting edge technology including touch screen panels, reversing cameras and hidden opera lights in the rear.
Mark Farrell the Managing Director of 1st 4Limo Sales who manufacture the limo explained why it was vital the Chrysler obtain this approval. He revealed that the VOSA had tightened its rules in recent times to improve the safety of luxury limos and limit their impact upon the environment. All new limos must now comply with these regulations and be issued with an Individual Vehicle (IVA) and Special Vehicle (SVA) approval in order to be allowed for use on U.K roads.
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
Professional Drivers urged to join bus lane campaign at Drive ‘09 Show
Hundreds of private hire drivers are expected to debate the usage of the capitals bus lanes in the latest stage of the campaign at Drive 09 show in September.
The exclusive seminar for the professional driving sector will be discussing why London’s private hire drivers cannot use bus lanes and a video production for the campaign will be shown for the first time. Headed-up by the Private Hire board, the seminar is part of Drive ’09 which is taking place at the Transport Research Laboratory on 26th and 27th September.
A ‘Bus Lane’ committee has been formed and met in April to discuss and agree the strategy to address the discrimination in some Private Hire Licensed areas with regard to ‘Bus Lane Access’ for Private Hire Vehicles. More recently an initiative was launched inviting operators and drivers to donate a minimum of £1 towards the campaign. The forum will give visitors an update of the campaign and give them a chance to express their views and opinions to officials.
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