Monday, November 28, 2016

Airports Add Surcharges for Limos, Taxis, And TNCs

<p><a href="http://ift.tt/2fZmvBY">Photo via Wikimedia Commons user Matti Blume</a></p>NEW YORK — Airports across the country add surcharges of up to $5 a ride — typically passed directly on to travelers — for trips originating at their curbs. There are similar charges for limousine, Uber and Lyft drivers as well as shuttle buses for hotels, car rental companies, and off-airport parking lots.

TRIB Live article here

Keywords

airport fees   airports   Lyft   taxes   taxis   TNCs   Uber   

 

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Uber Drivers Join Protest For $15 Minimum Wage

<p><a href="http://ift.tt/2gdpjhS">Photo via Wikimedia Commons user Aaron Parecki</a></p>Uber drivers are planning to take to the streets on Nov. 29 as part of a broader protest calling for a $15 hourly minimum wage.

“Hundreds” of drivers will protest alongside fast food workers, airport employees, and home care aides for what is being billed as a “Day of Disruption,” according to Fight for 15, the group organizing the effort.

In San Francisco, Uber’s hometown, drivers are planning to march at the airport with signs that say, “Your Uber Driver is Arriving Striking.” In other cities, drivers will idle their cars or march with low wage workers from other sectors.

CNN Tech article here

Keywords

driver pay   employee vs independent contractor   employee wages   independent contractor issues   TNCs   Uber   

 

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Heavy-Duty Lexus SUV Limo Fit For A President

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The world can be a dangerous place, especially if you’re driving high-end, big name clients. Providing them with a safe ride is of the utmost importance, and it takes more than just a skilled chauffeur to ensure this.

If you’re looking for a vehicle to help you win prestigious customers in search of a discreet, secure ride, look no further than this used 2014 Lexus LX 570 SUV limo built by Battisti Customs.

The vehicle is now available on Limoforsale.com for $99,995 at 19,684 miles.

DETAILS, SPECS & SELLER INFO HERE

According to the seller, the SUV has a B6+ armoring level by International Armoring Corporation, with AK47 and high power rifle defeat capabilities. Perfect for professional diplomatic or presidential transport, the service is up to date and it’s ready for immediate delivery. Financing is available to well-qualified buyers, and is covered by a balance of US warranty from Lexus.

For even more details, click here.

Keywords

armored vehicles   Battisti Customs   Lexus   Limoforsale.com   online vehicle sales   security   SUV limousines   used vehicles   vehicle sales   vehicle security   

 

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Luxury Sedan Battle: Audi A8 Vs. BMW 7 Series

<p><a href="http://ift.tt/2fZt0EQ">Photo via Audi</a></p>The 2016 Audi A8 and 2016 BMW 7 Series have both long been in the market and pitted against each other for their luxurious look and powerful performance. In this faceoff, Auto World News looks at which luxury sedan is a better buy and shows luxury can also be found in diesel.

Auto World News article here

Keywords

Audi   Audi A8   BMW   BMW 7 series   new sedans   premium luxury sedans   sedans   Vehicle Reviews   

 

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BMW 7 Series Named Professional Driver Car Of The Year

<p><a href="http://ift.tt/2gdfJeK">Photo via BMW</a></p>The current BMW 7 Series generation started off life with a couple of awards under its belt. Weeks after it was launched, it has already won various awards, including the title of World Luxury Car.

Today marks yet another win. The BMW 730d has been crowned Car of the Year at the Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards 2016, while also taking the title of Chauffeur Car of the Year.

BMW Blog article here

Keywords

awards   BMW   BMW 7 series   honors and awards   new sedans   premium luxury sedans   sedans   

 

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CT6 Plug-In Hybrid Wants To Make Livery Mark

<p><a href="http://ift.tt/2gdpk5q">Photo via Cadillac</a></p>If Tesla has taught us anything, it’s green technology must be as much a part of the luxury car game as comfort and horsepower. So it’s no surprise to see the new 2017 Cadillac CT6 flagship luxury sedan now available in a plug-in hybrid version.

The CT6 Plug-In Hybrid incorporates a lot of the lessons GM learned from its other hybrids and plug-ins, such as the Chevrolet Volt. It also bests its closest German rival, the Mercedes Benz S 550e, in a couple of key areas. First, it’s less expensive by about $20,000, and second, the Cadillac’s 30 miles of EV-only range more than doubles that of the Benz.

Kelley Blue Book article here

Keywords

Cadillac   Cadillac CT6   green vehicles   hybrid vehicles   new sedans   Plug-In Vehicles   premium luxury sedans   sedans   

 

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Vehicle Brawl: Cadillac CT6 Vs. Genesis G90

<p><a href="http://ift.tt/2gdpk5q">Photo via Cadillac</a></p>Decades ago, Cadillac was pretty much the benchmark every other luxury automaker tried to hit.

The German brands were relentless and Cadillac had to do a lot of catching up because the market became so saturated with really good products. And now even Hyundai has decided to come out with its own luxury brand called Genesis, which puts even more pressure on Cadillac. Can Cadillac hold its own against this luxury newcomer?<p><a href="http://ift.tt/2cyCNPW">Photo via Genesis</a></p>

The Cadillac CT6 and the Genesis G90 are two full-sized executive luxury sedans that ring in at around the same price as equipped. Both represent the best of what each brand has to offer and both are really impressive whether you’re a driver or being chauffeured.

AutoGuide article here

Keywords

Cadillac   Cadillac CT6   Genesis G90   Hyundai   Hyundai Genesis   new sedans   new vehicles   premium luxury sedans   sedans   Vehicle Reviews   

 

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Saturday, November 26, 2016

How To Keep Clients Like Virgin Hotel Chicago Does

<p><a href="http://ift.tt/2ghij15">Photo via Virgin Hotels Chicago website</a></p>After being formally open for under a year, the Virgin Hotel Chicago recently won Conde Nast’s Readers Choice poll of 300,000 travelers.

The other best-of categories can be easy to game if you have a slick public relations firm and some word-of-mouth, but reader’s choice is a solid barometer of what is actually resonating with travelers in the market. For a first-year hotel to win it with a new concept is significant and its worth unpacking the elements that are working well.

Skift article here

Keywords

Chicago operators   client markets   hotels   how to   Illinois operators   luxury hotels   working with hotels   

 

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How To Help Your Customers By Creating Solutions

<p><a href="http://ift.tt/1l1n68x">Photo via PEXELS user Startup Stock Photos</a></p>Many people believe the most innovative companies create customer needs with breakthrough new products.

Nobody knew they needed an iPhone, the thinking goes, until Apple created the need for it. Hence, if you want to be an innovation leader, you should seek to find ways to create customer needs.

Although this may sound reasonable, it’s a common misbelief based on people confusing customer needs with solutions. Great innovators do not create customer needs; they discover existing important unsatisfied needs, and then create solutions that address those needs dramatically better than any other option.

Charlotte Business Journal article here

Keywords

building your clientele   business growth   business management   customer service   how to   productivity   

 

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How To Create Effective Business Videos

<p><a href="http://ift.tt/1PO1MdK">Photo via PEXELS user Donald Tong</a></p>If you’ve decided you want to create a video to promote your business, you need to ask yourself a few questions before you get started:

  • Will your video be used to post on your branded YouTube channel, your website or another site in hopes of attracting more prospects?
  • Will you use a video as a freemium to attract people or as a pre­mium to incentivize people to buy?
  • Will you use it to train or teach someone how to get more out of your product or service?
  • Do you want to create video blogs (called “vlogs”)?
  • Will you use the video as an intro for new customers? For instance, will it be a welcome video that tells them how to access the informa­tion they just bought while giving them an opportunity to see your smiling face?
  • Do you want people to pay you to view it, as one would for an online training?

Entrepreneur article here

Keywords

building your clientele   business growth   how to   innovative marketing   marketing/promotions   video   

 

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How To Better Run A Business With Remote Employees

<p><a href="http://ift.tt/2cMonMO">Photo via PEXELS user Negative Space</a></p>Today, companies with remote workers are becoming more and more common. This paradigm shift stems from many reasons, but it mainly boils down to a few key aspects of work life. Saving money on expensive equipment and office space, granting personal freedoms as a benefit, and having access to the widest possible talent pool are some of the many great perks of being a remote company.

For workers, it’s also a preferable arrangement, as it provides them with flexibility and a much wider choice of job opportunities. According to an annual study conducted by AfterCollege, 68% of millennial job seekers said the option to work remotely would greatly increase their interest in specific employers.

Forbes article here

Keywords

business goal-setting   employee benefits   employee management   employee perks   how to   staff management   

 

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Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Luxury Travel Market Looks Healthy For 2017

<p>Does your chauffeured service complement luxury travelers' search for memorable experiences?</p><p>(Photo by Donald Tong, via Pexels; CC0 License: ✓ Free for personal and commercial use ✓ No attribution required)</p>Luxury travel is hot. Multiple reports show consumers are choosing travel over hard goods when there is a choice.

Forbes article here

Related article: 8 HOT Travel Trends For 2017

Keywords

building your clientele   business trends   client markets   group travel   leisure travel   luxury market trends   

 

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Regional Associations Hold Court At LCT-NLA Show East

<p>LANJ President Jason Sharenow moderates an informative marketing and communications discussion with panelists Pat Charla of Drive Profit and Arthur Messina of Create-A-Card during the LANJ breakfast meeting.</p>ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The annual LCT-NLA Show East is becoming quite the gathering venue for industry association meetings as the Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ), Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA), and Florida Limousine Association (FLA) held member breakfast meetings during the three-day annual show and conference held Nov. 13-15.

Topics at the Nov. 14 meeting centered on updates on TNC legislation in their respective states, as well as fighting other regulator fees and taxes that target the private transportation industry.

LANJ President Jason Sharenow (Broadway Elite Transportation, East Hanover, N.J.) told more than 75 members and guests he expects a pending bill that will regulate TNCs to pass when the legislature meets again. “We didn’t get everything we wanted but we’re OK with what we got,”  Sharenow said. Although the bill will provide stricter oversight and regulations for TNCs, mandatory fingerprinting background checks was not included.

On a winning note, Sharenow informed members a bill to eliminate the 7% sales tax levied against limousine companies is gaining traction having first passed through a legislative committee. Sharenow acknowledged LANJ legislative committee members Jon Epstein (Royal Coachman Worldwide Limousine Service, Denville, N.J.) and Pete Corelli (Lakeview Custom Coach) for “working tirelessly” to both lobby and testify before legislators to get the bill off the ground and moving forward.

<p>PRLA President Steve Rhoads, left, and member Mike Baretto (Flyte Tyme), update members on recent legislative activity during the association&rsquo;s breakfast meeting at LCT-NLA Show East.</p>Fighting Philadelphia Parking Authority

More than 35 PRLA members and guests — including members of the Virginia Limousine Association — attended the association’s breakfast meeting held on Nov. 15. PRLA President Steve Rhoads (Rhoads Limousine, Douglassville, Pa.) informed members the association is fighting hard to stop a new Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) vehicle assessment that more than doubles the registration fee per vehicle, from $404 to $868.

Rhoads said the association has petitioned a federal court to stop the assessment and the judge ruled in early November the hike will not be enforced until both the PPA and PRLA meet to iron out the matter. Rhoads said the PRLA is waiting for the PPA to respond.

<p>VLA President Paul Walsh speaks during PRLA breakfast meeting.</p>A contingent of Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) members, including VLA President Paul Walsh (Superior Executive Transportation, Virginia Beach, Va.) also attended and shared time during the PRLA breakfast meeting to discuss common issues, such as airport regulations regarding TNCs.

National Limo Day?

The Florida Limousine Association held its breakfast meeting Nov. 14 touching on a variety of issues and topics. FLA President Rick Versace ( A1A Limousine, Boca Raton, Fla.) told members the association is formulating its strategy for the upcoming legislative session to propose legislation that would require all ground transportation drivers (taxi, limo, and TNC) to use fingerprint background checks.

Versace added the FLA is discussing putting together a Chauffeur Certification program and members of the Long Island Limousine Association shared how their program works.

On a national note, Versace said the FLA is proposing to create a “Limousine Operator Appreciation Week” culminating with National Limo Day. The idea will be discussed further to see if can gain traction with the National Limousine Association and Congress.

Keywords

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How Much Do Uber Drivers Really Earn?

<p><a href="http://ift.tt/2fpRRCu">Photo via PEXELS user Pixabay</a></p>On Nov. 21, Uber released a report on driver earnings, conducted by the company’s head of economic research Jonathan Hall and Princeton economist Alan Krueger. Hall and Krueger used data from a diverse group of drivers in 20 markets. They found most Uber drivers drive 15 hours or fewer per week, and the average Uber driver earns an average wage of $18.75 an hour, before expenses.

(Krueger was previously a paid consultant for Uber, but the company says he was not paid for his work on this study.)

BuzzFeed News article here

Keywords

driver pay   independent contractor issues   research and trends   TNCs   Uber   UberX   

 

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Maine Limo Company Buys Scarborough Rival

<p><a href="http://ift.tt/2ftro8N">Photo via Maine Limousine Service website</a></p>Maine Limousine Service of South Portland has acquired a Scarborough competitor.

The company, founded in 1987 as Flo Hutchins Limousine, announced it purchased Lilley’s Limousine, effective Nov. 14.

The purchase expands the fleet of Maine Limousine to include a Chrysler 300 limousine, 10 sedans, four SUVs, three vans, eight limousines, a shuttle bus and an antique Bentley. All Lilley chauffeurs have been offered jobs with Maine Limousine, says co-owner Teale Smith.

Portland Press Herald article here

Keywords

business deals   business growth   Maine operators   mergers & acquisitions   New England operators   

 

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Dashcams Monitor Drivers To Help Driverless Vehicles

<p><a href="http://www.nauto.com/">Photo via Nauto</a></p>Like a Fitbit for vehicles, Nauto uses GPS and an accelerometer to track motion, then sends relevant data to the cloud for analysis. But it goes beyond, with cameras facing inward and outward. Nauto, used by car-fleet managers, professional drivers, and insurers, evaluates drivers with a credit-rating-like score.

At the same time, it uses artificial intelligence and a trove of anonymized data to gain insights into driver behavior. As it learns more, future vehicles using Nauto will better understand the people sharing the road and what they’re likely to do.

San Francisco Chronicle article here

Keywords

autonomous vehicles   cameras   driverless cars   electronics   fleet management   fleet tracking   mobile electronics   mobile technology   self-driving vehicles   

 

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