Exclusive Travel Service Vancouver

Exclusive Travel Service Vancouver

Corporate Car Service

To ensure your journey starts smoothly, the luxury private transportation service offers a streamlined booking process that's easy and quick. Learn more about Exclusive Travel Service Vancouver here Each vehicle is equipped with child safety seats upon request, ensuring the little ones are secure and comfortable throughout the journey. You're not just getting a ride; you're crafting an experience tailored just for you. Their commitment to personalization extends to their drivers too, who are more than just chauffeurs-they're your personal concierges on the road. Luxury Car Service Whether you're in need of a sleek sedan for city travel, a spacious SUV for tougher terrain, or an elegant limousine for special occasions, they've got you covered.
From the moment you arrive, you'll realize that Banff isn't just a destination; it's the beginning of countless stories you'll cherish forever. Whether it's the need for child seats, extra luggage space, or a preference for certain on-board amenities discussed earlier, make your needs known. With luxury private transportation, you're not just booking a ride; you're investing in an experience. Choosing this elevated travel experience means you're not just getting from point A to B; you're indulging in the luxury of choice, comfort, and style. Learn more about Banff Transport here.
After ensuring your safety with their stringent standards, Banff Transport also makes booking your luxury ride incredibly straightforward and hassle-free. Sophia, who booked a scenic tour around Vancouver, can't stop talking about the experience.

Luxury Sedan Service

  1. Private Airport Transfer
  2. Airport Transfer
  3. Executive Car Service
  4. Luxury Group Transportation
  5. Premium Limo Service
  6. Luxury Travel Service
  7. Luxury Event Transportation
  8. Luxury SUV Rental
  9. Corporate Shuttle
  10. Luxury Town Car
  11. Luxury Travel Transportation
  12. Luxury Ride Share
  13. Private Airport Transfer
  14. Airport Transfer
  15. Executive Car Service
  16. Luxury Group Transportation
  17. Premium Limo Service
  18. Luxury Travel Service
  19. Luxury Event Transportation
  20. Luxury SUV Rental
'It was breathtaking. To enhance your journey, the luxury private transportation service in Vancouver offers a selection of premium vehicles tailored to your preferences. After choosing your convenient downtown pickup point, you can further personalize your travel by customizing your experience with Banff Transport. Read more about Exclusive Travel Service Vancouver here
This level of service transforms the journey into an integral part of your adventure to Banff. Once everything's set, you'll receive a confirmation email with all your trip details, leaving you to simply anticipate the comfort and luxury that await on your journey from Vancouver to Banff. Discover how this meticulous attention to detail elevates your travels, leaving you curious about the layers of luxury that set Banff Transport apart. These moments can become some of the most memorable parts of your trip.

How will Banff Transport redefine the future of luxury journeys for its discerning clientele?

Luxury Sedan Service

  • Luxury Group Transportation
  • Premium Limo Service
  • Corporate Shuttle
  • Luxury Town Car
  • Luxury Travel Transportation
  • Luxury Ride Share
  • Private Airport Transfer
  • Airport Transfer
  • Executive Car Service
  • Luxury Group Transportation
  • Premium Limo Service
  • Corporate Shuttle
  • Luxury Town Car
  • Luxury Travel Transportation
  • Luxury Ride Share
  • Private Airport Transfer
  • Airport Transfer
  • Executive Car Service
  • Luxury Group Transportation
  • Premium Limo Service
Your ride includes complimentary refreshments and snacks. They share local insights, adding an unexpected layer to your travel. Hear what our satisfied customers have to say about their luxurious rides to cruise terminals and ferry ports. You're not just another passenger; you're the master of your adventure.

At the heart of Banff Transport's luxury service lies its premium fleet, meticulously selected to ensure your ride is nothing short of spectacular. While ensuring your booking process is seamless, Banff Transport also prioritizes your health by implementing rigorous safety and sanitation protocols for every ride. Imagine settling into plush, spacious seating that lets everyone stretch out and relax, whether you're on a short trip across town or a longer journey. You don't have to wade through endless forms or wait on hold.

Luxury Car Rental

  1. Luxury Sedan Service
  2. Luxury Car Service
  3. Executive Van Service
  4. Luxury Car Hire
  5. Executive Transportation
  6. Luxury Car Rental
  7. Airport Limo
  8. Luxury Limousine
  9. Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  10. Luxury Travel Service
  11. Luxury Event Transportation
  12. Luxury SUV Rental
  13. Corporate Shuttle
  14. Luxury Town Car
  15. Luxury Travel Transportation
  16. Luxury Ride Share
  17. Private Airport Transfer
  18. Airport Transfer
  19. Executive Car Service


From the personalized music selection to the complimentary beverages, every aspect of your ride is designed to cater to your comfort and enjoyment. We've tailored our pricing to ensure it's transparent and competitive, providing you with value every step of the way. Executive Transportation Explore real stories from travelers who've made the journey from Vancouver to Banff with our luxury private transportation service. After that, you pick a date and time that works for you.

Having explored Banff Transport's pricing and packages, let's focus on what to expect when you meet your chauffeur for the first time. Choosing luxury travel offers an unparalleled level of comfort and convenience, ensuring your journey from Vancouver Airport to Banff is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Imagine gliding along the scenic routes in a premium vehicle, with panoramic views that take your breath away, all while enjoying personalized entertainment and amenities.

Luxury Sedan Service

  1. Luxury Travel Transportation
  2. Luxury Ride Share
  3. Private Airport Transfer
  4. Airport Transfer
  5. Executive Car Service
  6. Luxury Group Transportation
  7. Premium Limo Service
  8. Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  9. Luxury Travel Service
  10. Luxury Event Transportation
  11. Luxury SUV Rental
  12. Corporate Shuttle
  13. Luxury Town Car
  14. Luxury Travel Transportation
  15. Luxury Ride Share
First off, their luxury SUVs are perfect for smaller groups or families, providing both elegance and functionality.

Citations and other links

VIP Chauffeur Service Vancouver BC

Understanding Banff Transport's pricing structure is crucial as it often varies depending on several factors, including the type of service, distance, and group size. Moreover, the drivers are professionals who know the city inside out. This seamless booking process is just the beginning of a luxurious, worry-free travel experience from Vancouver to the Sea to Sky region. It's all about making your travel as enjoyable and personalized as possible.

What sets Banff Transport's luxury private transportation service apart for families and groups seeking exceptional travel experiences? That's why drivers are trained in the latest health and safety guidelines, making sure they wear masks and maintain a respectful distance whenever possible. When you choose our service, you're not just getting a ride; you're ensuring that every part of your journey is in capable hands.

Banff Transport addresses this by scaling their services and adjusting prices accordingly.

Luxury Travel Service

  1. Corporate Shuttle
  2. Luxury Town Car
  3. Luxury Travel Transportation
  4. Luxury Ride Share
  5. Private Airport Transfer
  6. Airport Transfer
  7. Executive Car Service
  8. Luxury Group Transportation
  9. Premium Limo Service
  10. Luxury Event Transportation
  11. Luxury SUV Rental
  12. Corporate Shuttle
  13. Luxury Town Car
  14. Luxury Travel Transportation
  15. Luxury Ride Share
  16. Private Airport Transfer
  17. Airport Transfer
  18. Executive Car Service
  19. Luxury Group Transportation
Each vehicle in Banff Transport's fleet is fitted with state-of-the-art safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. They also offer seasonal promotions and discounts for both new and returning customers, ensuring you always get the best value for your travel needs.

Each vehicle is meticulously maintained and equipped with privacy features, allowing you to unwind or work in peace as you travel. Whether you're seeking a quiet, solo journey to reflect and relax, or an upbeat travel experience with friends, Banff Transport's flexible options let you tailor your ride to your preferences. You don't have to navigate through complex steps or wait on lengthy phone calls.

Luxury Car Service

  1. Luxury Group Transportation
  2. Premium Limo Service
  3. Luxury Car Hire
  4. Executive Transportation
  5. Luxury Car Rental
  6. Airport Limo
  7. Luxury Limousine
  8. Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  9. Luxury Travel Service
  10. Luxury Event Transportation
  11. Luxury SUV Rental
  12. Corporate Shuttle
  13. Luxury Town Car
  14. Luxury Travel Transportation
  15. Luxury Ride Share
  16. Private Airport Transfer
  17. Airport Transfer


Airport Limo
VIP Chauffeur Service Vancouver BC
Executive Ride Service Vancouver

Executive Ride Service Vancouver

The kids loved the journey, and so did we!'These testimonials highlight the consistent excellence in service, luxury, and reliability that Banff Transport offers. Whether you're planning a family getaway to unseen natural wonders or organizing a group trip to bustling city events, Banff Transport's future routes will cater to your adventurous spirit. Banff Transport goes beyond standard transportation by offering services customized to your unique needs and preferences.

Private Minivan Service

  1. Luxury SUV Rental
  2. Corporate Shuttle
  3. Luxury Town Car
  4. Luxury Travel Transportation
  5. Luxury Ride Share
  6. Private Airport Transfer
  7. Airport Transfer
  8. Executive Car Service
  9. Luxury Group Transportation
  10. Premium Limo Service
  11. VIP Car Service
  12. Private Minivan Service
  13. Luxury Sedan Service
  14. Luxury Car Service
  15. Executive Van Service
  16. Luxury Car Hire
  17. Executive Transportation
Accommodating up to 56 passengers, these buses offer reclining seats, overhead storage, and onboard restrooms, making long-distance travel a breeze.

Need to make a stop before reaching your final destination? Want to spend a few extra hours soaking in the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies? Each snapshot and memory you gather along this route will remind you of the unmatched scenic views that only this part of the world can offer, making every moment of your journey unforgettable.

You'll quickly notice that every detail matters to your chauffeur. Whether it's a leisurely stroll around Lake Louise or a challenging hike up Sulphur Mountain, you're making a choice that benefits both the environment and your health. No worries.

The commitment to sustainability resonates with many, who feel good about choosing a service that cares for the environment as much as it does for its passengers. With customer-friendly policies, you can alter your plans without hefty penalties, giving you peace of mind. With Banff Transport, you're not just choosing a premium travel experience; you're choosing peace of mind.

Executive Travel Service Vancouver

This means that from the door handles to the seat belts, and even the touchscreens, everything's sanitized for your safety. You'll also have the option to add any special requests to ensure your ride meets your exact needs. Whether you're eager to hit the ski slopes, explore the vast network of hiking trails, or simply soak in the natural hot springs, our service ensures you get there with ease and in style. Moreover, booking and rescheduling are made simple. Whether it's through social media, a blog, or a personal journal, documenting your thoughts and feelings adds depth to your memories.

It's clear Banff Transport has thought through every detail to ensure your family or group enjoys a seamless, luxurious experience from start to finish. Each vehicle in Banff Transport's fleet is meticulously maintained, ensuring reliability and safety for your travels. You won't have to worry about the hustle and bustle outside, as our vehicles are equipped with top-of-the-line noise-cancellation technology, ensuring a serene travel environment. Just as a meticulously planned family vacation can turn an ordinary weekend into an unforgettable escape, Banff Transport's launch of an enhanced luxury private transportation service in Vancouver aims to transform your journey into an extraordinary experience.

Curious about what makes this service stand out and how it can transform your next holiday? With a keen focus on integrating cutting-edge technology, you'll soon find vehicles equipped with smart systems that cater to your every need, even anticipating them before you do.

Luxury Sedan Service

  • Executive Car Service
  • Luxury Group Transportation
  • Premium Limo Service
  • Executive Transportation
  • Luxury Car Rental
  • Airport Limo
  • Luxury Limousine
  • Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  • Luxury Travel Service
  • Luxury Event Transportation
  • Luxury SUV Rental
  • Corporate Shuttle
  • Luxury Town Car
  • Luxury Travel Transportation
  • Luxury Ride Share
  • Private Airport Transfer
  • Airport Transfer
Banff offers a variety of green travel choices that align with preserving its natural beauty. Banff Transport takes care of all the details, from planning optimal routes to managing luggage space.

This level of customization means you can choose not only the destinations but also the pace of your journey. Banff Transport has taken care to ensure that from start to finish, booking your luxury transportation is as enjoyable as the ride itself. These testimonials underline Banff Transport's commitment to delivering a high-quality, personalized service.

Executive Van Service

  1. Luxury Car Rental
  2. Airport Limo
  3. Luxury Limousine
  4. Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  5. Luxury Travel Service
  6. Luxury Event Transportation
  7. Luxury SUV Rental
  8. Corporate Shuttle
  9. Luxury Town Car
  10. Luxury Travel Transportation
  11. Luxury Ride Share
  12. Private Airport Transfer
  13. Airport Transfer
  14. Executive Car Service
  15. Luxury Group Transportation
  16. Premium Limo Service
  17. Private Minivan Service
In essence, customizing your journey transforms it from mere travel to a memorable part of your Banff adventure.

Executive Travel Service Vancouver
Elite Transportation Solutions Vancouver
Elite Transportation Solutions Vancouver

You're in safe hands, as their commitment to your health extends beyond the vehicle's cleanliness. If you're unsure about your schedule or have special requests, Banff Transport's customer service is just a call or click away, ready to accommodate your needs with utmost flexibility. Moreover, their experienced drivers are more than just chauffeurs; they're your personal guides to the region. In addition to prioritizing your safety and reliability, luxury private transportation services in Vancouver now offer eco-friendly options for your journey to the Sea to Sky region. Luxury Sedan Service

You're not just limited to vehicle choice; Banff Transport allows you to set the ambiance for your journey. You've got a variety of options to suit your taste and needs. Moreover, comfort isn't taken lightly.

From the moment you arrive to the minute you depart, Banff Transport's expansive destination coverage guarantees that your travel within and around Vancouver is nothing short of exceptional. It's this combination of luxury, expertise, and personalized attention that makes Banff Transport's service truly exceptional. Need to make multiple stops or have a flexible schedule?

You'll have the option to choose from sleek sedans for intimate trips, spacious SUVs for family adventures, or luxurious limousines for that extra touch of elegance and comfort. Luxury Event Transportation Each car in their meticulously curated fleet represents the pinnacle of automotive excellence, ensuring that your travel expectations aren't just met-they're exceeded. What sets them apart?

Corporate Shuttle
Luxury Limousine Vancouver

Say goodbye to the headaches of parking, the frustration of traffic jams, and the hassle of navigating through crowded streets. Safety isn't just a priority; it's a promise they deliver on every trip. These aren't just drivers; they're seasoned professionals who understand the importance of punctuality, discretion, and impeccable customer service. Your journey to Banff becomes part of the adventure itself.
Imagine sipping on champagne as you glide through the majestic landscapes in a chauffeur-driven vehicle. And it doesn't stop at the vehicle type. Every trip earns points that can be redeemed for upgrades and free rides, ensuring that your loyalty to Banff Transport is rewarded handsomely.

Luxury Sedan Service

  1. Corporate Car Service
  2. Private VIP Car Service
  3. VIP Car Service
  4. Private Minivan Service
  5. Luxury Sedan Service
  6. Luxury Car Service
  7. Executive Van Service
  8. Luxury Car Hire
  9. Executive Transportation
  10. Luxury Car Rental
  11. Airport Limo
  12. Luxury Limousine
  13. Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  14. Luxury Travel Service
  15. Luxury Event Transportation

They've implemented rigorous safety protocols to ensure you're in secure hands from the moment you step into their vehicles.

Private VIP Car Service

  1. Luxury Group Transportation
  2. Premium Limo Service
  3. Airport Limo
  4. Luxury Limousine
  5. Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  6. Luxury Travel Service
  7. Luxury Event Transportation
  8. Luxury SUV Rental
  9. Corporate Shuttle
  10. Luxury Town Car
  11. Luxury Travel Transportation
  12. Luxury Ride Share
  13. Private Airport Transfer
  14. Airport Transfer
  15. Executive Car Service
  16. Luxury Group Transportation
  17. Premium Limo Service
  18. Airport Limo
  19. Luxury Limousine
Instead, Banff Transport offers personalized pricing, which means you pay for exactly what you need and nothing more. You can even adjust your itinerary on the fly, adding stops along the scenic route to Banff to capture those breathtaking views or explore hidden gems.
Their fleet consists of the latest, meticulously maintained vehicles, ensuring a smooth and stylish journey every time. With our private transportation service, it won't be. Luxury vans are available, designed to cater to the needs of bigger parties without compromising on comfort or style.

Explore Exclusive Travel Service Vancouver here
Luxury Limousine Vancouver

 

A chauffeur in Japan standing next to a Nissan Fuga

A chauffeur ( French pronunciation: [ʃɔ.fœʁ]) is a person employed to drive passenger motor vehicle, especially a luxury vehicle such as a large sedan, SUV or a limousine.

Initially, such drivers were often personal employees of the vehicle owner, but this has changed to specialist chauffeur service companies or individual drivers that provide both driver and vehicle for hire. Some service companies merely offer the driver.

History

[edit]
A chauffeur in Glasgow during World War I

The term chauffeur comes from the dominance of French motor manufacturers in the 1890s and their use of Daimler engines with hot tube ignitors. These required heating (chauffer) with a Bunsen burner before the engine would work. This delicate procedure and the maintenance of the platinum tubes was the work of a chauffeur who also maintained and could drive the car.[1][2] From 1900, magneto ignition took over, but as cars got faster, pneumatic tyres became essential and were subject to punctures.[3] The role of chauffeur evolved into that of driver, mechanic and maker of running repairs.

Only the wealthy could afford the first cars. In the 1890s, cars were open, often had a single bench seat and were driven by their owners. From 1900 they became practical transport and owners employed chauffeurs rather than driving themselves. A 1906 article in The New York Times reported that "the chauffeur problem to-day is one of the most serious that the automobilist has to deal with", and complained that "young men of no particular ability, who have been earning from $10 to $12 a week, are suddenly elevated to salaried positions paying from $25 to $50" and recommended the re-training of existing coach drivers.[4]

Scope

[edit]

While the term may refer to anybody who drives for a living, it usually implies a driver of an elegant passenger vehicle such as a horse-drawn carriage, luxury sedan, motor coach, or especially a limousine; those who operate buses or non-passenger vehicles are generally referred to as "drivers". In some countries, particularly developing nations where a ready supply of labor ensures that even the middle classes can afford domestic staff and among the wealthy,[5] the chauffeur may simply be called the "driver".

Some people may employ chauffeurs full-time to drive them in their vehicles, while professional services offer on-request limousines or rental cars that include chauffeurs.[6] This is similar to but much more luxurious than taking a taxicab. A variety of benefits are cited for using chauffeurs, including convenience, productivity, and time savings,[7] and driving safety for business people[8] and seniors.[9] Insurance costs for luxury vehicles are often lower if the designated driver is a chauffeur.[5]

The legal requirements for being a chauffeur vary depending on the local jurisdiction and class of vehicle. In some cases, a simple permit is required. Still, in others, an additional professional license with specific minimum standards in areas such as age, health, driving experience, criminal record, local geographic knowledge, or training is needed.[10][11]

Training

[edit]
The first examination of chauffeurs under a new law, New York, 1910

In addition to the minimum legal requirements, limousine companies often require their chauffeurs to undergo specific extra training.[12][13] These courses may involve evasive driving or defensive driving techniques, the proper methods to ensure safety in the most extreme conditions, such as inclement weather, a flat tire at high speeds, or other exterior influences for loss of vehicular control, etc.[14]

Many companies also have courses on what they expect from their chauffeurs. Chauffeurs may be taught proper etiquette when they are in the presence of their clientele. They may also be trained for services to the client beyond the car itself, such as for a personal valet or bodyguard.[15]

Many companies and local licensing agencies require random drug screening for chauffeurs.[16] There have been increased requirements for compliance in drug and alcohol testing in the United States.[17] The problem was highlighted after professional ice hockey player Vladimir Konstantinov's career-ending injuries when his recently hired chauffeur, Richard Gnida, lost control of their limousine and crashed.[18][19] Another concern are company drug and alcohol policies for chauffeurs in those states where marijuana is legal because of the potential impact and impairment to perform their job safely and effectively.[20]

Notable chauffeurs

[edit]

In fiction

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Johnson, Erik (1986). The Dawn of Motoring. Milton Keynes: Mercedes-Benz (UK ) Ltd. pp. 28–29. ISBN 0951062506.
  2. ^ Hutton, J.Ernest (1902). Harmsworth, Alfred (ed.). Motors and Motor-Driving (2nd ed.). London: Longmans, Green & Co. pp. 138–142.
  3. ^ Freeston, C.L. (1902). Harmsworth, Alfred (ed.). Motors and Motor Driving (2nd ed.). London: Longmans, Green & Co. pp. 224–237.
  4. ^ "Chauffeurs Lord It Over Their Employers; Big Salaries Turn the Heads of Automobile Drivers. They Scorn Menial Work Garage Managers Also Have Trouble with Them -- A Better Class Being Turned Out by the Schools". The New York Times. 12 August 1906. p. 16. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  5. ^ a b Sanger, David E. (23 September 2010). "Once Around the Block, James, and Pick Me Up After My Nap". The New York Times. p. 7. Retrieved 31 October 2010.
  6. ^ Stern, Linda (1 October 2007). "Hey, Look, Boss: No Hands!". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 14 September 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2009.
  7. ^ Villano, Matt (17 September 2007). "A Chauffeur Role That Tries Harder". The New York Times. Retrieved 14 November 2009.
  8. ^ "Driven To Distraction: Mobile Office Gone Too Far?". NBC5. Chicago. 24 September 2007. Archived from the original on 15 October 2007. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  9. ^ "Too Old To Drive?". The Rachael Ray Show. MMVII KWP Studios. 10 October 2007. Archived from the original on 11 January 2008. Retrieved 14 November 2009.
  10. ^ "Licensing". Transport for London. Mayor of London. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  11. ^ "FAQ". NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission. Archived from the original on 28 May 2010. Retrieved 25 November 2018.
  12. ^ Blain, James (15 May 2024). "Creating the Ideal Chauffeur Training Plan". chauffeurdriven.com. Retrieved 17 February 2025.[dead link]
  13. ^ "Benchmark & Best Practices – Chauffeur Training". chauffeurdriven.com. 8 March 2016. Retrieved 17 February 2025.[dead link]
  14. ^ "Chauffeur & VIP Close Protection Driver Course Review". thechauffeur.com. 8 April 2016. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  15. ^ Elliott, Hannah (24 November 2024). "What I learnt about luxury at the Rolls-Royce school for chauffeurs". indiatimes.com. Bloomberg. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  16. ^ "Benchmark & Best Practices – Drug Testing". chauffeurdriven.com. 8 November 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  17. ^ "Update Required: New Regulations for Drug and Alcohol Testing". chauffeurdriven.com. 30 March 2020. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  18. ^ Windsor, Shawn (6 October 2007). "2007's Top Wings Stories: Remembering the crash that ruined Stanley Cup celebration". Freep.com. Gannett. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Thirty-two laws took effect in 1999 amid mounting evidence that thousands of people with suspended or revoked licenses were driving, despite numerous alcohol-related convictions and serious traffic violations.
  19. ^ "Ex-Wings Limo Driver Arrested". CBS News. Associated Press. 2 July 1999. Retrieved 19 September 2008.
  20. ^ Holden, Tom (15 July 2024). "You Probably Need to Update Your Company's Drug and Alcohol Policy". chauffeurdriven.com. Archived from the original on 13 August 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  21. ^ Kempka, Erich (2010). I Was Hitler's Chauffeur - The Memoir of Erich Kempka. Pen & Sword Books. ISBN 9781781599723.
  22. ^ Thomas Jr., Robert McG. (25 May 1995). "Roosevelt S. Zanders, Stars' Chauffeur, Dies at 81". The New York Times. p. 8. Retrieved 25 November 2018.
  23. ^ Palm, Matthew J. (21 January 2021). "In 'Daisy,' Michael Morman's in the driver's seat again". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  24. ^ Bauer, Patricia (17 December 2017). "Driving Miss Daisy: Plot, Cast, Awards, & Facts". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
[edit]
  • Media related to Chauffeurs at Wikimedia Commons

 

1908 Studebaker limousine with an open driver's compartment
1953 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV (coachwork by Hooper)

A limousine (/ˈlɪməzn/ or /lɪməˈzn/), or limo (/ˈlɪm/) for short,[1] is a large, chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle with a partition between the driver compartment and the passenger compartment which can be operated mechanically by hand or by a button electronically.[2] A luxury sedan with a very long wheelbase and driven by a professional driver is called a stretch limousine.[3]

In some countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Canada, and Australia, a limousine service may be any pre-booked hire car with a driver, usually, but only sometimes a luxury car. In particular, airport shuttle services are often called "limousine services", though they often use minivans or light commercial vehicles.[2]

Etymology

[edit]
The type of limousine hood or roof described in the text (1912 Vauxhall)

The word limousine is derived from the name of the French region Limousin; however, how the area's name was transferred to the car is uncertain.

One possibility involves a particular type of carriage hood or roof that physically resembled the raised hood of the cloak worn by the shepherds there.[4][5]

An alternate etymology speculates that some early chauffeurs wore a Limousin-style cloak in the open driver's compartment for protection from the weather.[6] The name was then extended to this particular type of car with a permanent top projecting over the chauffeur.[4] This former type of automobile had an enclosed passenger compartment seating three to five persons, with only a roof projecting forward over the open driver's area in the front.[7]

History

[edit]

Wealthy owners of expensive carriages and their passengers were accustomed to their private compartments leaving their coachman or driver outside in all weathers. When automobiles arrived, the same people required a similar arrangement for their chauffeurs. As such, the 1916 definition of limousine by the US Society of Automobile Engineers is "a closed car seating three to five inside, with driver's seat outside".[8]

In Great Britain, the limousine de-ville was a version of the limousine town car where the driver's compartment was outside and had no weather protection.[9]: 103  The limousine-landaulet variant (also sold in the United States) had a removable or folding roof section over the rear passenger seat.[9]: 100 

In the United States, sub-categories of limousines in 1916 were the berline, defined as "a limousine having the driver's seat entirely enclosed", and the brougham, described as "a limousine with no roof over the driver's seat."[8]

The president of the United States has ridden in a variety of brands of state cars starting from 1899 when President William McKinley was the first to ride in a car, a steam Locomobile.[10][11][12]

U.S. limousine business declined in the 21st century due to the effects of the Great Recession, the subsequent rise of ride sharing apps, and an industry crisis precipitated by deadly stretch limousine crashes in 2015 and Schoharie, New York, in 2018. Moreover, during this time, people who would have once utilized limousines began opting to travel more discreetly in cars like black SUVs.[13]

Characteristics

[edit]

The limousine body style usually has a partition separating the driver from the rear passenger compartment.[6][9] This partition usually includes an openable glass section so passengers may see the road. Communication with the driver is possible either by opening the partition window or using an intercom system.

Limousines are often long-wheelbase vehicles to provide extra legroom in the passenger compartment. There will usually be occasional seats (in the U.S. called jump seats) at the front of the compartment (either forward-facing, rear-facing, or able to face either direction).

Many nations have official state cars designed to transport government officials. The top leaders have dedicated and specially equipped limousines. The United States Presidential State Car is the official car of the President of the United States.

Stretch limousines

[edit]
Lincoln Town Car stretch limousine

Stretch limousines are longer than regular limousines, usually to accommodate more passengers. Stretch limousines may have seating along the sides of the cabin.

A "stretch limousine" was created in Fort Smith, Arkansas, around 1928 by the Armbruster coach company. Their vehicles were primarily used to transport famous "big band" leaders, such as Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, and their members and equipment. These early stretch limousines were often called "big band buses". Armbruster called their lengthened cars "extended-wheelbase multi-door auto-coaches". Their 12-passenger coaches were used by hotels, taxis, airlines, corporations, and tour companies.[14] Knock-down programs by automakers made coachbuilders stretch vehicles, but Armbruster also custom built limousines using unibody construction such as the 1969 AMC Ambassadors.[15]

As of 2023, stretch limousines comprise one percent of U.S. limousine company offerings. That total was down from about ten percent in 2013.[13]

Novelty limousines

[edit]

A variety of vehicles not designed as limousines have been converted into novelty limousines.[16] Another style of novelty limousine are those painted in bright colors, such as purple or pink.[17]

Vehicles converted into novelty stretch limousines include the East German Trabant, Volkswagen Beetle, Fiat Panda, and Citroën 2CV. There are instances of Corvettes, Ferraris, and Mini Coopers being stretched to accommodate up to 10 passengers.

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Garner, Bryan (July 28, 2009). Garner's Modern American Usage. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199874620. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Definition of limousine". merriam-webster.com. October 28, 2019. Archived from the original on September 20, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  3. ^ "Definition of Stretch Limo". merriam-webster.com. Archived from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
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  5. ^ Ayto, John (2009). Word Origins. A&C Black Publishers. ISBN 978-1-4081-0160-5. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  6. ^ a b The Random House College Dictionary. Random House. 1975. p. 777. ISBN 0-394-43600-8. 1. an automobile having a permanently enclosed compartment for from three to five persons, the roof of which projects forward over the driver's seat in front...[< F, special use of limousine long cloak, so called because worn by the shepherds of Limousin, a former province in central France]
  7. ^ "Definition of limousine" (Complete & Unabridged Digital ed.). Collins English Dictionary. 2012. Archived from the original on April 17, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  8. ^ a b "What's What in Automobile Bodies Officially Determined". The New York Times. August 20, 1916. Archived from the original on May 2, 2014. Retrieved June 27, 2015. Here it is, with other body types and distinctions, officially determined recently by the Nomenclature Division of the Society of Automobile Engineers
  9. ^ a b c Haajanen, Lennart W. (2003). Illustrated Dictionary of Automobile Body Styles. Jefferson, NC: McFarland. p. 96. ISBN 0-7864-1276-3. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  10. ^ Huffman, John Pearley (January 19, 2009). "The Top Presidential Limousines of All Time". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  11. ^ DeWitt, Nancy (September 4, 2012). "Presidential Wheels". Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  12. ^ "A Car Fit For A President". Grundy Insurance. February 25, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Jiménez, Jesus (2023-04-28). "The Long Demise of the Stretch Limousine". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2023-04-30. Retrieved 2023-04-30.
  14. ^ Theobald, Mark; DeWinter IV, Bernie (2004). "Armbruster & Company, Tom Armbruster, Ed Robben, Armbruster/Stageway, Fort Smith, Airport Limousine, Earnhart & Johansen". coachbuilt.com. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  15. ^ Strohl, Daniel (23 September 2018). "1969 AMC Ambassador Limousine". Hemmings. Archived from the original on 28 December 2022. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  16. ^ "Dave's Classic Limousines Pictures: Novelty Limousines". Archived from the original on July 12, 2015. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  17. ^ Naylor, Sharon (2004). 1000 Best Wedding Bargains. Sourcebooks. p. 198. ISBN 978-1-4022-0298-8. Retrieved June 27, 2015. novelty limousines.
[edit]
  • The dictionary definition of limousine at Wiktionary
  • Media related to Limousines at Wikimedia Commons

 

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