Showing posts with label 2016 at 05:49PM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2016 at 05:49PM. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Metro Cars Builds Strong Affiliate Relationships

TAYLOR, Mich. — Since 1990, Metro Cars has billed itself as synonymous with safe, reliable, quality transportation. Its motto, “one call for all your transportation needs,” rings true when you look at their fleet; with sedans, stretch limos, limo coaches, executive vans, shuttles, and luxury motorcoaches, they’ve got any and all affiliate needs covered.

The company is the exclusive transportation provider at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, and provides chauffeurs who are TSA security screened, drug tested, and carry photo ID badges.

Its farm-in to farm-out ratio is about 50/50, so they are experienced on both sides of the spectrum.

<p>Mark Hayden, corporate director of risk, safety and information technology</p>Mark Hayden, corporate director of risk, safety and information technology for Metro Cars, says when you’re doing a farm-in, remember one important rule: “This is another company’s customer, and you have to treat them with the utmost respect and care. This isn’t just a passenger — this is someone who has entrusted their client to you.”

“You have to think of it like you’re an extension of a company that trusts you with their business, and vice versa,” adds Paula Mikola, vice president of sales and marketing.

LCT CONNECT PROFILE HERE

In the 25 years the company has been in business, they’ve seen many changes in the way operations affiliate with one another. “I think people have really started to realize how important affiliate work is. Now, I think more operators understand it can be a really lucrative part of doing business,” Mikola says.

<p>Paula Mikola, vice president of sales and marketing</p>In addition, Ray Domzalski, design and advertising manager, mentions the important role tech has played in connecting businesses to each other. “Technology has really helped us gain access to a larger pool of qualified companies. It’s easier to screen and learn more about them, as well as communicate.”

LCT Connect has aided Metro Cars in doing just that. “There’s been a lot of pressure to change from outside of the industry to provide better service and be more reliable,” Domzalski explains. “It’s really made companies band together instead of fighting one another.”

Mikola says the company has affiliates in about every market, but the business occasionally goes into a new market or one where they’ve never had a request <p>Ray Domzalski, design and advertising manager</p>before.

“That’s where LCT Connect comes in. People spend time, money, and effort to be on the site, and this helps us vet potential affiliates better. It’s really a great resource.”

Mikola hopes the site will help the company expand its relationships with other luxury ground transportation companies. “I think we’ve built some wonderful relationships at the [LCT] shows, and I’m sure there are many more out there we would love to be able to build on and get to know.”

Keywords

affiliate networks   Affiliate Report   Detroit   Detroit operators   farm-in   farm-out   how to   LCTconnect.com   Michigan operators   

 

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Tiffany Limo Bus Offers Versatile Entertainment

<p>Photos from Limoforsale.com.</p>PHILADELPHIA, Penn. — A Tiffany Coachworks limo bus used mostly for weddings comes with ways to enchant all types of clients, in all kinds of settings.

Just look at the seven photos showing the party-dance pole basking in various lighting themes.

The 2012, 34-passenger Freightliner M2 diesel party bus is now available on Limoforsale.com for $98,650 at 52,834 miles.

DETAILS, SPECS & SELLER INFO HERE

Among the entertainment amenities: fiber optic lighting, strobe lights, premium sound, touch screen entertainment, TV/DVD, dance pole, iPod aux integration, satellite TV receiver, and a disco ceiling.

“I have all the service records for this meticulously kept bus,” the seller writes of the white bus, which has mechanical and interior condition ratings of 10 and an exterior condition rating of 9.

“Great addition to anyone’s fleet and it comes with a book of business if you’re located in the tri-state (Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey).”

Keywords

entertainment electronics   limo buses   Limoforsale.com   online vehicle sales   party buses   party poles   Tiffany Coachworks   used vehicles   vehicle sales   

 

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Friday, August 19, 2016

Illinois Operation Celebrates 50 Year Legacy

<p>A&nbsp;collage of printed brochures, dating back decades.</p>WINFIELD, Ill. — It’s not every day you hear about a limo company turning 50 years old. As TNCs continue to chip away at a new generation of luxury ground transportation clients, anniversaries point to stamina and survival.

West Suburban Travelers Limousine proves it’s possible to prevent loyal customers from jumping ship. The company’s history goes back to 1959, but they were officially incorporated on Aug. 1, 1966. Scott Simkus, VP of operations, and Danielle Slamans, VP of client services, spoke to LCT about the company’s unusual start and why it still appeals to the 21st Century customer.

Humble Beginnings

Founded in a basement in Glen Ellyn, Ill, the two-car operation was started by friends Ray Hiltunen and Bert Homan. “They knew there was a niche out here in the Western suburbs,” Simkus says.

“There were a lot of corporate travelers who worked downtown, but commuted via the train. There weren’t any taxi cab or car services out here at the time. Ray and Bert offered rides to people in the neighborhood and that’s how they got started.”

By the 1970s, the company took off. The business partners moved into a house and started to acquire other companies that had popped up in the same area. At one point, the business’ name was Glen Ellyn West Suburban Travelers Limousine. “It’s a mouthful because it was a combination of three companies,” Simkus explains. “There were literally three phones in the same office they would answer with different company names.”<p>Scott Simkus, VP of operations, and Danielle Slamans, VP of client services</p>

Their early fleet could best be described as “ragtag.” While they did have livery standard Lincolns and Cadillacs, they also had a green station wagon and a few vans. “They hadn’t settled on a particular type of vehicle at that point. For example, they might have had 25 cars with 17 different makes and models,” Simkus says.

Now, West Suburban Travelers has more than 100 vehicles including Lincoln MKT and Town Car stretch limos; Escalade, Navigator, and Suburban SUVs; and Lincoln MKT and Cadillac MKS sedans.

Running In The Age Of TNCs

With companies such as Uber and Lyft winning over younger clientele, West Suburban Travelers Limousine sticks to what they do best: providing impeccable customer service.

“The clients who remain loyal to us appreciate the value of a clean car and a chauffeur who dresses like a professional,” Simkus says. “They want someone who is going to help them with their lu<p>The late Ray Hiltunen&nbsp;(facing camera), who founded the company on August 1, 1966.</p>ggage, drives safely and smoothly, and is going to be on time.”

Well-vetted chauffeurs keep customers coming back for more. Each employee goes through a criminal background check with the state, is drug tested, and has proper employment documentation. They spend a few days on the road with a trainer, and receive a half day of classroom training lead by Simkus.

“We are going to work with them to get them up to speed with what our culture is and what our and the customers’ expectations are,” he says. Employees will come in at least once a week to speak with him for the first few weeks until they feel comfortable. “By then we’ll know if they are going to make it or not.”

Not only does the company provide safety with trained chauffeurs, but also with insurance coverage unmatched by any TNC. “Our insurance levels are at $1.5 million per vehicle, and clients understand that’s five times the level of most Uber-X vehicles or suburban taxis.”

About 90% of the company’s business is airport runs, but they also provide occasional transportation for concerts and weddings. “Our corporate clients get to know what our accounting department can do for them behind the scenes,<p>Old school Lincoln stretch limousine</p> whether that’s customizing a report or us being on-site for a large event.”

Living Legacy

West Suburban Travelers Limousine is run by Ray Hiltunen’s son, Jeff, president, and Danielle Slamans, Ray’s granddaughter and VP of client services. When asked why she decided to carry on her grandfather’s legacy, Slamans says, “Because I grew up with it. I started working here when I was 16 as a reservationist and worked through high school and college in the different departments. I was curious and wanted to know every aspect of what made this business run. I also really love the people. I think we are a family here; we have employees who have been with us for 20 and 30 years. It’s nice to come into work and enjoy the company of the people you work with.”<p>A&nbsp;car picking up a client from a private airplane in the mid-1980s, when the business really started to boom.</p>

Overall, the company employs 30 people, and works with more than 100 independent contractors.

Looking ahead, Simkus says they will be working on improving the role technology plays in their operations. In addition, they still plan to explore affiliate work. “Our next step is going to be finding someone who can mentor us and might want to work with us here in Chicago and teach us how it really works. That’s one area we haven’t tapped into yet and will be important to us as we move forward.”

Keywords

anniversaries   anniversary: operator profiles   Cadillac   Cadillac Escalade   Chevrolet Suburban   customer service   Illinois operators   Lincoln MKT   Lincoln Navigator   Lincoln Town Car   operator profiles   TNCs   Uber   WebXclusive   

 

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More Uber Bad Behavior Around The Globe

<p>It's not just Americans Uber is impacting...</p>Uber Passenger Claims Driver Shouted ‘Muslim Women Must Keep Quiet’ Before Violent Attack: Muaida Mughal claims her driver suddenly attacked her and violently yanked her from his car in what she alleged was “a racist” assault. On her way to the waterfront in Toronto, Canada, Mughal said she was told to “just keep quiet” because she was a Pakistani Muslim. Express article here

Atlanta Woman Leaving Bar Says Uber Driver Raped Her: The woman said the driver attacked her and then left her on the street. The 20-year-old victim said she was hanging out with a group of her high school friends and decided to go home after spending time at a bar the evening of Aug. 13. WSB-TV Atlanta article here

Helsinki Uber Drivers Now Face Criminal Charges When Caught: Police are criminally charging drivers caught working for the TNC. Previously, drivers found behind the wheel of an Uber only faced a misdemeanor fine. Chief Inspector Pekka SeppäläIf says if an investigation reveals a driver has worked for Uber a long time, they could be forced to pay back their ill-gotten gains. YLE article here

Uber Sues Over Rules Requiring Drivers Take English Test: Drivers from non-English speaking countries will have to pass a language exam before securing a private hire permit in London starting Oct. 1. The TNC is not happy with the new rules — so much that it has now filed a lawsuit against the measure. CNN Money article here

Keywords

Atlanta operators   Canadian Operators   criminal incidents   driver behavior   European operators   Georgia operators   international   London operators   Sexual Assault   TNC travesty   TNCs   Uber   underage drinking   United Kingdom   

 

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Site Of Next LCT Show Among Top 10 Luxury Hotels

The Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the venue for the 2017 International LCT Show held March 13-15, ranked No. 10 on the annual list of Hotels.com‘s Loved by Guests Awards. 

With more than 4,000 guest rooms, it encompasses some 20 restaurants, three poolside bars, huge fitness and spa facilities, an in-house nightclub, and, of course, the infamous casino.

The International LCT Show will be held in the Sands Expo, which lies betweeen The Venetian and Palazzo hotel-casinos. The complex hosted ILCT Shows in 2015, 2010, and 2009.

Business Insider article here

Keywords

ILCT 2017   International LCT Show   Las Vegas   limo tradeshows   luxury hotels   research and trends   

 

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What Are Latest Trends Among Luxury Travelers?

As the term “luxury travel” continues to be defined and transformed, Pursuitist presents the latest trends, innovations and topics in high-end travel experiences for the affluent consumer.

Pursuitist article here

Keywords

building your clientele   leisure travel   luxury market trends   research and trends   wealthy clients   

 

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Business Travel To U.S. Grew Faster Than Leisure Travel

Major U.S. destinations still count more fanny packs and selfie sticks than brief cases and note pads among their visitors, but international business travel to the U.S. grew more than leisure travel in 2015.

The U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office found business travel from top overseas markets to the U.S. grew by 15% year-over-year and leisure travel from the same markets grew by 9%. Business travel arrivals growth from Ireland, the Netherlands, Australia and Italy were strongest and grew between 30% to 40% over 2014.

Skift article here

Keywords

business opportunities   business travel   business trends   corporate travel   leisure travel   research and trends   

 

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New Flyer Rides MCI To Another Good Quarter

New Flyer Industries exceeded its goals with increased revenue and profits in the second quarter and the successful integration of busmaker Motor Coach Industries.

The Winnipeg, Manitoba-based bus manufacturer posted substantial increases in earnings and revenue because MCI results were included in the quarter. Higher profit margins and a 6.6% increase in the average selling price contributed to the strong results.

Revenue for the quarter was $586.9 million, up 56.5% compared to the same period in 2015, and EBITDA (earning before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) was up 104.8% to $80.3 million.

Winnipeg Free Press article here

Keywords

charter and tour   MCI   Motor Coach Industries   motorcoaches   OEMs   revenue growth   revenues   

 

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Monday, April 11, 2016

Used Motorcoach Party Bus Offers Redone Interior

FAIRFIELD, N.J. — Thanks to the limousine industry, a motorcoach can be viewed as much more than a staid, standard forward-facing passenger bus for chartered tours. “Limousine, Charter & Tour” Magazine regularly sees all kinds of conversions and uses for the biggest buses on the road.

This week’s featured pick is a 2008 Freightliner Limo Craftsman motorcoach custom-built for the seller and revamped in 2013. The 52-passenger bus is now listed on Limoforsale.com for $89,500 at 165,000 miles, which is considered low mileage for motorcoaches that often last well up into the upper 100,000s or even a million miles.

SPECS, PHOTOS, AND SELLER INFO HERE 

A motorcoach equipped for limousine-style service can offer the most luxurious party bus, group tour, entertainer tour, or corporate road trip experiences. The seller, New Jersey Limousine & Bus Company, markets itself based on the advantage attributes of limousine companies: “We focus on safety, preventative maintenance, and many of our vehicles are garage kept…meticulously maintained.”

Keywords

Freightliner   Limoforsale.com   motorcoach operators   motorcoaches   New Jersey operators   online vehicle sales   used vehicles   vehicle sales   

 

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Cadillac Planning SUV, Sedan With Hefty Six Figure Prices

GM Inside News, citing a source “who is intimate with Cadillac’s projected product cadence,” stated the brand is anticipating releasing both an SUV and a sedan that will be priced in the $250,000-$300,000 range “before the end of the next decade.” That places both models in production and on the market by 2030.

Per the report, the SUV will be called the XT9, and it is said to be a completely bespoke vehicle that will start at the quarter-million-dollar range. This SUV would be a direct competitor to the likes of the Aston Martin DBX, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus, and it’s expected to debut “sometime closer to 2027.”

The News Wheel article here

Keywords

Cadillac   concept car   new sedans   new vehicles   premium luxury sedans   sedans   SUV   

 

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Queen of England’s Bentley Mulsanne Limo For Sale

An automaker has revealed the Royal’s Bentley Mulsanne limousine has gone on sale for just under 200,000 pounds.

The Bentley was reserved for exclusive use by the Monarch during a two-year period from 2012 to 2014, when the Bentley was retired from Royal duties, reports New24.com.

The Mulsanne was pressed into service by the Queen during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations and for a unique visit to 10, Downing Street where she attended her first-ever Cabinet meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron.

ETAuto.com article here

Keywords

Bentley   custom limousines   premium luxury sedans   United Kingdom   vehicle sales   

 

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Audi Builds One-Of-A-Kind Stretch A8 L

Audi has manufactured a one-of-a-kind stretch limo out of their flagship A8 L executive sedan for one very lucky, and probably very rich, European buyer.

The vehicle comes equipped with a Quattro all-wheel-drive system and has a limited top speed of 155 mph. At almost 21-feet long, the stretch can seat six passengers. Also included is a 7.9-foot glass panel in the roof which is supposed to “enhance the sense of spaciousness.”

Tech Insider article here

Keywords

Audi   Audi A8   custom coachbuilders   custom stretches   European operators   stretch limousine   

 

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Builder Reportedly Creating Tesla Stretch Limo

Costa Mesa-based Big Limos claims it’s building the “first stretched Tesla Model S limousine.” An electrek reader sent the site a video time-lapse of the Model S being cut in half.

There’s no word on if they managed to pull it off yet, and considering they had to remove the battery pack before stretching the chassis, they will probably have a bunch of kinks to untangle before adapting the pack to the new wheelbase.

electrek article here

Keywords

custom stretches   electric vehicles   green vehicles   stretch limousine   Tesla   Tesla Model S   

 

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