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.
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.
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
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
Financial help for private hire businesses discovered at Drive ‘09
GoSkills
You may not think it, but there is financial help available from the government to existing businesses and an exclusive seminar at Drive ‘09 is aiming to help you get it.
Hosted by GoSkills which is licensed by Government, the seminar discusses the financial opportunities available to taxi and private hire companies like yours and finds out how obtaining qualifications could benefit your business in the future.
GoSkills, led by employers, assists sector businesses to improve through their workforce. With focus on partnership working, it undertakes incisive research, develops and maintains standards and qualifications, advises on training and works to influence the skills supply and resources for employers and operators in our industries.
Other issues such as professionalising your workforce and improving customer service are also tackled.
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.
Custom Motor Show Postponed
The Custom Motor Show is the first of its kind in Europe. Featuring over 5,000 vehicles covering a huge spectrum of interests, you won’t find a wider range of vehicles on display anywhere else in the U.K. This exclusive show offers motoring and bike enthusiasts the opportunity to indulge their passion, so if you’re mental about motors, barmy about bikes, check out the Custom Motor Show.
Due to unforeseen circumstances the Custom Motor Show has been postponed until 2010. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.
American Custom Car
Each year the popular show attracts over 100,000 visitors from across the country. They come in their thousand to witness the stunning displays of classic and modern vehicles including limousines and classic American cars, hot rod, trucks, custom made vehicles, rigs, bikes and even motor homes. Wherever your interests lie, you’ll be kept thoroughly entertained when you pay the Custom Motor Show a visit.
The most impressive vehicles and examples of excellence within their field will be presented with an award. If you would like to display your vehicle, the show welcomes entrants from all spheres regardless of whether you’re a private owner, enthusiast or part of an association.
There’s something to suit everyone’s taste at this year’s event which usually runs over two days from August 8th to 9th. Under the umbrella of the Custom Motor Show you’ll be treated to 4 separate displays which include the Limo Show, Classic Car Show plus a Custom Bike Show and the Custom Car Show. During their individual exhibitions featured winners from across the world will be displayed giving visitors a taste of world class motoring.
Whether you’re involved in the transport industry or if you’re a motoring enthusiast, you’ll be guaranteed a top day out when you head down to the Custom Motor Show.
New Dodge Charger Icon Demon Limo could be the new Chrysler 300 limo
ECB (Executive Coach Builders) who operate out of a 100,000 sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Springfield, Missouri has announced it will be unveiling an exclusive product for the UK limousine market at Drive ‘09 show.
A stretched Dodge Charger called the Icon Demon has been specifically designed and manufactured for the UK, and promises to be the new ‘Chrysler 300’ according the UK agent, 1st 4 Limo Sales based in Essex.
Managing Director, Mark Farrell commented; “This vehicle is what everyone has been waiting for. Since the Chrysler 300c hit the scene some years ago, it has almost wiped-out the Lincoln Town Car. This vehicle will do the same with its under £60,000 price tag, and we are both excited and very proud to be launching it at Drive ‘09”
The company has been working alongside the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to produce the 120 inch Demon limousine which will be offered with an Independent Vehicle Approval (IVA).
1st 4 Limo Sales has recently signed a distribution agreement with Executive Coach Builders to become the sole UK and European distributors of ECB limos. The company also has exclusive worldwide distribution rights for the new Charger and new Icon Illusion vehicles.
ECB are the second largest limousine manufacturer in the world and very well known for producing some of the worlds best luxury limos from, Ford, Lincoln, Cadillac, Mercedes, Rolls Royce, Bentley, BMW and Hummer chassis’, ECB takes great pride in delivering a quality product. As , ECB manufactures about 15% of the world’s limousines.
Drive ’09 – The Only Professional Driver’s Event
If you’re involved in the luxury transport industry, you can’t afford to miss Drive ’09. This unique event offers transport business professionals the opportunity to experience the latest innovations in technology, the most exclusive vehicles and the latest products.
Drive ’09 rolls into the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Wokingham, Berkshire for this two day event which runs from September 26th – 27th. If you’re a chauffeur, mechanic or business owner involved in the limousine, taxi or private hire industry, head down to Woking and put yourself head of the crowd. Be the first to get behind the wheel of the most exciting luxury vehicles and put these super cars through their paces on the private test track.
If your transport business is in its infancy, or if you’re the owner of an established firm and would like advice on how to push your company to the next level, you’ll be able to put your questions to transport officials and government agencies who will be present during the two day event. There will also be a selection of seminars where you’ll have the chance to meet like-minded people and experience the benefits of successful networking.
With over 1200 square foot of exhibition space, an array of informative seminars, fast cars, and world exclusive product launches, Drive ’09 promises to be a sensational event. Register your place now and look forward to an action packed weekend in Woking.
Visit this link for the limo show.
Useful News: Professional Drivers urged to join bus lane campaign at Drive ‘09 Show
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