On-Demand Chauffeur Vancouver

On-Demand Chauffeur Vancouver

Luxury Airport Pickup

Banff Transport has taken care to ensure that from start to finish, booking your luxury transportation is as enjoyable as the ride itself. Every aspect of their operation, from the vehicles they choose to the way they manage their bookings, reflects a strong environmental commitment. Learn more about On-Demand Chauffeur Vancouver here Before you even step foot in one of their luxury vehicles, it's been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. You'll notice the difference from the moment you're greeted. From the simplified booking process to a detailed breakdown of the key features that set this service apart, including an extensive coverage area, competitive pricing, and packages, there's a lot you won't want to miss.
With customer-friendly policies, you can alter your plans without hefty penalties, giving you peace of mind. Instead, you can book your ride in just a few clicks.

VIP Travel Service

  • Luxury Wedding Transport
  • Luxury Private Coach
  • Luxury Car Rental
  • Luxury Fleet
  • VIP Transportation
  • Airport Limo
  • Luxury Transportation Company
  • VIP Car Service
  • Luxury City Tour
  • Private VIP Car Service
  • Corporate Executive Transport
  • Private Luxury Car
  • Private SUV Transportation
  • Airport Transfer
  • Luxury Travel Service
  • Corporate Shuttle
  • Luxury Event Transportation
Banff Transport doesn't just limit its services to the airport; they're your gateway to exploring the vibrant city and beyond. With their exclusive amenities, you're not just traveling; you're indulging in the luxury of convenience and personalized service that makes every journey with them unforgettable.
It's about getting more value out of every trip without compromising on comfort or style. It's clear they're not just about getting you from point A to B; they're about elevating your entire travel experience. It's about feeling pampered, valued, and excited about every mile you cover. It's the kind of travel where you can hold business meetings, share intimate moments with loved ones, or simply revel in the quietude, all while moving towards one of the most majestic destinations in Canada.
What's a luxurious journey without top-tier onboard amenities to enhance your experience? One client shared, 'Banff Transport didn't just meet my expectations; they exceeded them. Learn more about Vancouver to Banff Luxury Private Car Service here. It's where luxury meets personalization, setting a new benchmark for what you'll come to expect from private transportation. After exploring the various ways to journey from Vancouver Airport to Banff, let's focus on what sets luxury private transportation apart and how it elevates your travel experience.

To ensure your journey starts smoothly, the luxury private transportation service offers a streamlined booking process that's easy and quick. Spring and fall bring milder weather, but with it, unpredictable changes. 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. Next, you'll select your vehicle of choice from their premium fleet. Banff Transport's diverse fleet selection ensures you'll find the perfect luxury vehicle for any occasion, tailored to your style and needs.
Whether you're catching up on work or relaxing to your favorite tunes, they've got you covered. You're free to customize your itinerary, choose your stops, and control the ambiance within the vehicle. 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. From the moment you're picked up to your last stop in Banff, you're in control, free to immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of the Rockies without a worry in the world. Luxury Fleet
Banff Transport's customer service team is just a phone call away. Securing your luxury ride with Banff Transport is a straightforward and hassle-free process. Private VIP Car Service With Banff Transport, you're not just choosing a premium travel experience; you're choosing peace of mind.

Luxury Airport Pickup

  1. Executive Van Service
  2. Luxury Limousine
  3. Luxury Private Coach
  4. Luxury Car Rental
  5. Luxury Fleet
  6. VIP Transportation
  7. Airport Limo
  8. Luxury Transportation Company
  9. VIP Car Service
  10. Luxury City Tour
  11. Private VIP Car Service
  12. Corporate Executive Transport
  13. Private Luxury Car
  14. Private SUV Transportation
  15. Airport Transfer
  16. Luxury Travel Service
This means your trips can be customized to meet your specific preferences and needs. Read more about On-Demand Chauffeur Vancouver here
Whether you're planning a family vacation, a corporate event, or a special celebration, they've got you covered. That's why we're here to offer you a stress-free transition. You've experienced the luxury of private transportation from Vancouver to Banff, now it's time to embrace sustainable ways to traverse this breathtaking landscape. Layering your clothing will help you adjust to varying temperatures throughout the day. Corporate Car Service

Citations and other links

Hourly Chauffeur Service Vancouver

They know the roads like the back of their hand and are always ready with a recommendation to enhance your stay. Where can Banff Transport take you on your next Vancouver visit? Each package is clearly outlined on their website, making it easy for you to compare options and select the best one for your situation. It's this level of personalization and privacy that sets luxury private transportation apart, offering not just a journey, but a sanctuary on wheels.

These range from luxury sedans for smaller groups to spacious SUVs and vans for larger parties, all equipped with top-tier amenities to elevate your travel experience. Whether you're planning a special night out, need a reliable ride for business meetings, or are setting off on a luxurious tour of Vancouver's stunning landscapes, they've got you covered. Imagine stepping into a luxurious vehicle, where comfort meets convenience.

You can choose from a range of vehicles that ensure comfort for the whole family, from luxury sedans for smaller groups to spacious SUVs and vans for larger parties. Luxury SUV Rental Choosing Banff Transport means opting for reliability, luxury, and a personal touch that makes every journey special. Simply visit their official website or use their dedicated mobile app, both designed with your convenience in mind.

To uncover how such a service can transform your trip from ordinary to extraordinary, let's explore the elements that make this journey worth considering further. Moreover, your safety and privacy are paramount. There's ample legroom, ensuring you arrive as refreshed as when you set off.

Hourly Chauffeur Service Vancouver
Executive Limousine Service Vancouver

Executive Limousine Service Vancouver

As you contemplate the convenience of moving around the city with unparalleled ease, consider the blend of sophistication and comfort that awaits you. Drivers aren't only experienced and knowledgeable about the route but also trained in safety protocols to handle any situation that may arise during your trip. Banff Transport doesn't just promise a luxurious ride; they deliver a sanctuary of safety and privacy, setting a new benchmark for private transportation in Vancouver. Imagine gliding through the city's vibrant streets or venturing into the serene landscapes of Banff without a worry, ensconced in the lap of luxury.

The service's customer support is usually very responsive and accommodating, ensuring your journey is tailored precisely to your expectations. Whether you're eager to hit the hiking trails, explore the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, or simply soak in the natural beauty, you're in the right place.

Luxury City Tour

  1. Luxury Airport Pickup
  2. Corporate Car Service
  3. Luxury Transfer Service
  4. Luxury Ride
  5. Luxury SUV Rental
  6. VIP Travel Service
  7. Executive Car Service
  8. Luxury Wedding Transport
  9. Luxury Private Coach
  10. Luxury Car Rental
  11. Luxury Fleet
  12. VIP Transportation
  13. Airport Limo
  14. Luxury Transportation Company
  15. VIP Car Service
  16. Luxury City Tour
  17. Private VIP Car Service
This attention to detail ensures that when the day of your trip arrives, you can relax knowing everything's been taken care of.

You're getting a service that's not only reliable and comfortable but also mindful of its ecological responsibilities. Corporate Executive Transport This commitment to accessibility and personalized service ensures that your booking experience is as smooth and enjoyable as your journey will be. As you step out of the luxury vehicle, the crisp mountain air will fill your lungs, and you'll immediately feel the embrace of nature that makes this place so special.

Executive Car Service

  1. Luxury Prom Limo
  2. Luxury Sedan Service
  3. Private Chauffeured Van
  4. Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  5. Luxury Party Bus
  6. Executive Transportation
  7. Executive Chauffeur
  8. Luxury Hotel Transfer
  9. Luxury Chauffeur Service
  10. Luxury Event Car Service
  11. High-End Shuttle
  12. Private Minivan Service
  13. Business Executive Shuttle
  14. VIP Limo
  15. Executive Van Service
  16. Luxury Limousine
  17. Private VIP Car Service
  18. Corporate Executive Transport
  19. Private Luxury Car
  20. Private SUV Transportation


Additionally, climate control ensures your ride is set to the perfect temperature, regardless of the weather outside. When you opt for their luxury private transportation, you're not just paying for a ride; you're investing in an experience tailored to your needs and preferences. It transforms a simple transfer into an integral part of your adventure, setting the tone for an unforgettable visit to Banff.

Luxury City Tour

  1. Luxury Prom Limo
  2. Luxury Sedan Service
  3. Private Chauffeured Van
  4. Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  5. Luxury Party Bus
  6. Executive Transportation
  7. Executive Chauffeur
  8. Luxury Hotel Transfer
  9. Luxury Chauffeur Service
  10. Luxury Event Car Service
  11. High-End Shuttle
  12. Private Minivan Service
  13. Business Executive Shuttle
  14. VIP Limo
  15. Executive Van Service
  16. Luxury Limousine
  17. Luxury Transportation Company
  18. VIP Car Service
  19. Luxury City Tour
  20. Private VIP Car Service


Vancouver Chauffeur for Hire

While it's the perfect time for outdoor activities, it's also when Banff is busiest. 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. You can also decide on the amenities you'd like onboard. Luxury Transfer Service So, no matter the size of your group or the nature of your trip, you're guaranteed a smooth, premium experience. You're not just booking a ride; you're securing an experience that blends comfort, elegance, and punctuality seamlessly.

You're not just another passenger; you're the master of your adventure.

Luxury Ride

  1. Corporate Executive Transport
  2. Private Luxury Car
  3. Private SUV Transportation
  4. Airport Transfer
  5. Luxury Travel Service
  6. Corporate Shuttle
  7. Luxury Event Transportation
  8. Executive Limo
  9. Luxury Car Hire
  10. Luxury Airport Shuttle
  11. Luxury Travel Concierge
  12. Luxury Prom Limo
  13. Luxury Sedan Service
  14. Private Chauffeured Van
  15. Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  16. Luxury Party Bus
  17. Executive Transportation
  18. Executive Chauffeur
  19. Luxury Hotel Transfer
  20. Luxury Chauffeur Service
They also offer seasonal promotions and discounts for both new and returning customers, ensuring you always get the best value for your travel needs. We understand the importance of punctuality, comfort, and efficiency, especially after a long flight. The drivers know the Sea to Sky corridor inside out, ensuring that they can navigate efficiently, even in the face of unforeseen traffic or weather conditions.

From the personalized music selection to the complimentary beverages, every aspect of your ride is designed to cater to your comfort and enjoyment. You'll glide through Vancouver's streets in vehicles that are the pinnacle of sophistication and refinement. For those who need to stay connected on the go, Wi-Fi and charging ports are at your fingertips. They took care of everything, allowing us to soak in the stunning landscapes stress-free.' This sentiment echoes across numerous testimonials, highlighting the exceptional service and attention to detail.

Whether it's catching a flight, making a meeting, or just enjoying a leisurely day out, their personalized travel plans are designed with your timeline in mind, guaranteeing a stress-free travel experience tailored just for you. Let the comfort and elegance of your luxury ride enhance your experience, making every second count. It's not just travel; it's an indulgence in luxury and comfort, designed just for you. With us, your journey becomes an integral part of your vacation narrative, enriching your travel experience beyond mere transportation.

Vancouver Chauffeur for Hire
Event Car Service Vancouver
Event Car Service Vancouver

You'll be relieved to know that each vehicle in our fleet is equipped with the latest safety technologies, including GPS tracking and advanced driver assistance systems, to ensure a smooth and safe ride. It's this attention to detail that transforms your journey from a simple transfer to a personalized travel experience. Before you even board, Banff Transport consults with you to understand exactly what you're looking for in your journey.

Luxury SUV Rental

  1. Private Minivan Service
  2. Business Executive Shuttle
  3. VIP Limo
  4. Executive Van Service
  5. Luxury Limousine
  6. Luxury Fleet
  7. VIP Transportation
  8. Airport Limo
  9. Luxury Transportation Company
  10. VIP Car Service
  11. Luxury City Tour
  12. Private VIP Car Service
  13. Corporate Executive Transport
  14. Private Luxury Car
  15. Private SUV Transportation
  16. Airport Transfer
  17. Luxury Travel Service
  18. Corporate Shuttle
  19. Luxury Event Transportation
For those craving adventure, car rentals offer the ultimate flexibility.

Luxury Private Coach

  • Airport Limo
  • Luxury Transportation Company
  • VIP Car Service
  • Luxury City Tour
  • Private VIP Car Service
  • Corporate Executive Transport
  • Private Luxury Car
  • Private SUV Transportation
  • Airport Transfer
  • Luxury Travel Service
  • Corporate Shuttle
  • Luxury Event Transportation
  • Executive Limo
  • Luxury Car Hire
  • Luxury Airport Shuttle


Larger groups aren't left out either. It's as easy as that. Imagine settling into plush, leather seating that cradles you in comfort as you glide through the city or toward the mountains.

From the plush seats that seem to swallow you whole in comfort to the personalized amenities that transform travel into an indulgence, every mile becomes a testament to your choice of elegance. Each curve in the road reveals panoramic views that beg to be photographed, from azure lakes to towering waterfalls. Once you've booked your ride, selecting a pickup point is straightforward.

In choosing their services, you're choosing a team that's committed to your satisfaction and well-being, making each journey not just a trip, but an experience to remember.

Luxury SUV Rental

  • Luxury Limousine
  • Airport Limo
  • Luxury Transportation Company
  • VIP Car Service
  • Luxury City Tour
  • Private VIP Car Service
  • Corporate Executive Transport
  • Private Luxury Car
  • Private SUV Transportation
  • Airport Transfer
  • Luxury Travel Service
  • Corporate Shuttle
  • Luxury Event Transportation
  • Executive Limo
  • Luxury Car Hire
  • Luxury Airport Shuttle
  • Luxury Travel Concierge
Their team is dedicated to making your family's travel as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, tailoring every aspect of the service to meet your specific desires and needs. But that's not all.

Private Chauffeur to Seattle from Vancouver

It's not just travel; it's an extension of your Banff adventure, beginning the moment you leave Vancouver Airport. Your driver, knowledgeable about the area, will likely provide you with a brief overview of Banff's must-see attractions. This means you can sit back, enjoy the ride, or focus on preparing for your upcoming meeting or event. Specifically, in Vancouver, we cater to both the bustling Canada Place cruise terminal and the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, among others.
Plus, they offer flexible payment options, including major credit cards and online payment services, making the entire process as seamless as possible. And for your peace of mind, there's always a professional attendant on board, ready to assist with any needs, ensuring your journey isn't just luxurious, but also smooth and hassle-free from start to finish. You'll find that the fleet consists of high-end vehicles, ensuring your journey is as comfortable and stylish as possible.
You won't have to worry about navigating traffic or finding parking. Luxury Private Coach For those longer stretches, enjoy the convenience of onboard refreshments. Imagine bypassing the crowds, avoiding the hassles of public transport, and instead, settling into a plush, spacious vehicle that caters to your every need.
When you choose our service, you're opting for a seamless, luxurious journey from the moment you land to the second you reach your destination.

Luxury Wedding Transport

  • Luxury Event Car Service
  • High-End Shuttle
  • Private Minivan Service
  • Business Executive Shuttle
  • VIP Limo
  • Executive Van Service
  • Luxury Limousine
  • Luxury City Tour
  • Private VIP Car Service
  • Corporate Executive Transport
  • Private Luxury Car
  • Private SUV Transportation
  • Airport Transfer
  • Luxury Travel Service
  • Corporate Shuttle
  • Luxury Event Transportation
  • Executive Limo
  • Luxury Car Hire
  • Luxury Airport Shuttle
  • Luxury Travel Concierge
You'll notice hand sanitizers available for your use, encouraging a germ-free journey. Choosing luxury means prioritizing your time and well-being. Executive Car Service

Explore On-Demand Chauffeur Vancouver here
Private Chauffeur to Seattle from 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.
  4. ^ a b Dyke, Andrew Lee (1920). Dyke's Automobile and Gasoline Engine Encyclopedia (Twelfth ed.). p. 582. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  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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