VIP Airport Pickup Vancouver

VIP Airport Pickup Vancouver

Private Car Service

That's the kind of impact we're talking about. Then there's the team of chauffeurs. These models cater to up to 14 passengers and don't skimp on luxury, featuring leather seats, ample legroom, and onboard Wi-Fi to keep everyone connected and entertained throughout the journey. Learn more about VIP Airport Pickup Vancouver here Curious about what makes this service stand out and how it can transform your next holiday? After ensuring your safety with their stringent standards, Banff Transport also makes booking your luxury ride incredibly straightforward and hassle-free.
Tailored specifically for families and groups, you're invited to discover a world where every travel necessity and luxury is anticipated and catered to. This service isn't merely about getting from point A to B; it's a tailored experience designed to fit your unique itinerary, ensuring every detail is polished to perfection. You'll also appreciate the personalized climate control, allowing you to adjust the environment to suit everyone's comfort levels. Your wish is their command.
They've embraced hybrid and electric vehicles, significantly reducing emissions compared to traditional transportation methods. But what truly sets this service apart? After submitting your details, you'll receive a confirmation of your booking.

Executive Car Service

  1. Private Minivan Service
  2. VIP Travel Service
  3. Luxury Airport Pickup
  4. Executive Chauffeur
  5. Luxury Town Car
  6. VIP Limo
  7. Private Minivan Service
  8. VIP Travel Service
  9. Luxury Airport Pickup
  10. Executive Chauffeur
  11. Luxury Town Car
  12. VIP Limo
  13. Private Minivan Service
  14. VIP Travel Service
  15. Luxury Airport Pickup
  16. Executive Chauffeur
  17. Luxury Town Car
  18. VIP Limo
  19. Private Minivan Service
You'll find everything you need there, from service options to scheduling.
But they don't stop there. Learn more about Vancouver to Banff Luxury Private Car Service here. If you have any preferences regarding temperature, music, or route, don't hesitate to let them know-they're there to make your journey as enjoyable as possible. You'll be amazed at the level of comfort and convenience they describe. With Banff Transport, you're not just getting from point A to point B; you're indulging in a seamless blend of luxury and efficiency that makes every trip memorable.



VIP Car Service

  • Private Executive Car
  • Luxury Car Service
  • Luxury SUV Rental
  • Luxury Sedan Rental
  • Executive Car Service
  • Luxury Night Out Transport
  • Luxury Private Coach
  • High-End Chauffeur
  • Corporate Car Service
  • VIP Car Service
  • Luxury Travel Concierge
  • Luxury Transportation Company
  • Executive Chauffeur
  • Luxury Town Car
  • VIP Limo
  • Private Minivan Service
  • VIP Travel Service
  • Luxury Airport Pickup
  • Executive Van Service

Choosing this service means you're not just getting from point A to point B; you're ensuring that your journey is as enjoyable and stress-free as the destination itself. When it comes to your journey from Vancouver to Banff, prioritizing safety and comfort ensures a worry-free travel experience. Banff offers a variety of green travel choices that align with preserving its natural beauty. This personalized approach ensures that your journey isn't just a travel from point A to B, but a memorable experience tailored exclusively for you.

You don't have to jump through hoops or navigate a maze of options. These testimonials underline Banff Transport's commitment to delivering a high-quality, personalized service. Luxury Night Out Transport You'll find a range of vehicles designed to meet every need, from intimate family outings to larger group excursions.

In essence, it's all about elevating your experience from the ordinary to the extraordinary. To ensure these moments stick with you, take plenty of photos and videos. If music isn't what you're in the mood for, there's also a selection of audiobooks and podcasts available at your fingertips. Luxury Travel Service

It's all about adding that touch of luxury and convenience to your journey. You don't have to worry about navigating through traffic or finding parking. You're in safe hands, as their commitment to your health extends beyond the vehicle's cleanliness.

Luxury Sedan Rental

Citations and other links

Downtown Vancouver Chauffeur Service

While ensuring your booking process is seamless, Banff Transport also prioritizes your health by implementing rigorous safety and sanitation protocols for every ride. Corporate Car Service We can arrange that. Your luxury private transportation service in Vancouver takes customization to the next level with tailored travel itineraries designed specifically for your interests and schedule. Fancy a closer look at the majestic Shannon Falls or the awe-inspiring Stawamus Chief? Moreover, Banff Transport encourages digital bookings and communications, cutting down on paper waste and contributing to their green initiative.

For larger parties, there are luxury vans that can comfortably accommodate groups, making sure everyone travels together in style. If you're new to Vancouver or returning after a while, your driver can also act as a personal guide, recommending places to visit or dine based on your interests. Whether you need a quiet space to relax after a long flight or a mobile office to catch up on work, your preferences are catered to. After exploring the tailored transportation options Banff Transport offers for events, let's hear directly from customers who've experienced their luxury service first-hand.

Your comfort is our priority, which is why you'll find complimentary refreshments and snacks to keep you refreshed. Imagine stepping into a vehicle where your personal preferences are already known - from the ambient temperature to the playlist humming softly in the background. Private Luxury Car You get to enjoy high-end comfort, exceptional service, and peace of mind, all without stretching your budget. Each seat is equipped with personal charging stations, so your devices are always ready to capture the moment or keep you entertained.

It's this combination of luxury, expertise, and personalized attention that makes Banff Transport's service truly exceptional. Whether it's a change in flight schedules or a last-minute update to your destination, you can adjust your reservation online without any hassle or additional fees. Another testimonial emphasized the reliability of Banff Transport, stating, 'I've used their services for both business and personal trips, and they've never let me down. Embarking from Vancouver Airport to Banff in anything less than the pinnacle of luxury is like choosing a rowboat to cross the Atlantic-it simply doesn't do the journey justice.

Downtown Vancouver Chauffeur Service
Vancouver Downtown Private Transportation

Vancouver Downtown Private Transportation

Whether you're seeking a one-time pickup for a special occasion or need regular transport services for business, there's a tailored option just for you. When you opt for a luxury private transportation service in Vancouver, you're not just buying a ride; you're curating an experience tailored precisely to your desires and expectations. Don't just stick to the well-trodden paths; ask your driver for insider tips on hidden gems that most tourists miss. VIP Car Service High-speed Wi-Fi ensures you're always connected, whether you need to catch up on work or stream your favorite show during the ride. Our customer service team is always on standby, ready to provide assistance and answer any questions you may have.

Charging ports ensure your devices are always powered up, so you're ready to capture the breathtaking beauty of Banff without worrying about battery life. You'll discover a seamless blend of sophistication and convenience, designed to elevate your travel experience from the moment you step off your cruise ship or ferry. Every journey with Banff Transport is elevated by the skill and professionalism of their experienced chauffeurs. Private Executive Car The luxury private transportation service boasts a diverse fleet of vehicles, ensuring there's a perfect match for every traveler's needs and preferences.

It's not just about getting from point A to B; it's about doing so in a way that feels tailored just for you. Here, you can specify your pick-up and drop-off locations, select your preferred luxury vehicle, and choose the date and time that best fits your schedule. You've got legroom to stretch, Wi-Fi to stay connected, and perhaps even a refreshment or two to make the journey more enjoyable. Their competitive pricing ensures that you get premium service without breaking the bank.

Every vehicle is equipped with climate control, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking, regardless of the weather outside. Prefer a more personal touch? Having explored the exclusive on-board services designed to enhance your comfort, let's focus on how you can maximize your Vancouver to Banff trip experience. They're equipped with masks and gloves, minimizing any risk of transmission while maintaining a professional and courteous demeanor.

Private Car Service

  1. Executive Car Service
  2. Luxury Night Out Transport
  3. Luxury Private Coach
  4. High-End Chauffeur
  5. Corporate Car Service
  6. VIP Car Service
  7. Luxury Travel Concierge
  8. Luxury Transportation Company
  9. Executive Chauffeur
  10. Luxury Town Car
  11. VIP Limo
  12. Private Minivan Service
  13. VIP Travel Service
  14. Luxury Airport Pickup
  15. Luxury Sedan Rental
  16. Executive Car Service
  17. Luxury Night Out Transport
  18. Luxury Private Coach
  19. High-End Chauffeur


Elite Executive Car Service Vancouver

Instead, you'll be free to relax or catch up on work while your professional driver handles the road. With their in-depth knowledge of the city, you'll have insider access to the best routes, avoiding unnecessary delays and ensuring you arrive at your destination on time, every time. Once you've filled in the necessary details, you'll be prompted to review the available vehicle options. Once there, you'll be prompted to enter your pickup and drop-off locations, along with your preferred pickup time. The service is designed to cater to your needs, ensuring your travel experience is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

Safety and comfort aren't just promised; they're delivered, making your travel experience truly luxurious. This isn't just travel; it's a retreat from the world, a space where you can breathe freely, away from prying eyes and the clamor of crowds. Banff Transport doesn't just offer a ride; they provide an experience. It's tailored to cater to your preferences, whether you're planning a sophisticated business trip or a lavish leisure outing.

It felt like a premium experience from start to finish.'Jasmine T. appreciated the attention to detail, saying, 'From the moment I booked, everything was handled so efficiently. Our luxury fleet at Banff Transport's Luxury Private Transportation Service Vancouver is designed to elevate your travel experience to the highest level of comfort and style. Executive Van Service Every vehicle is maintained to the highest standards, ensuring that it arrives in pristine condition, ready to whisk you away without a hitch. Banff Transport prides itself on its flexibility, offering services 24/7 to accommodate early flights, late-night events, and everything in between.

You can expect your ride to arrive on time, every time, minimizing any stress related to schedules or delays. Depending on when you're traveling, you'll face different climates and conditions that could impact your journey. Whether you're heading to a business meeting or exploring Vancouver's beautiful sights, Banff Transport ensures that your travel is as memorable as your destination. If you decide on a whim to take a detour to a hidden gem or a local recommendation catches your interest, you can easily adjust your schedule.

Luxury Travel Service

  1. Luxury Transportation Company
  2. Executive Chauffeur
  3. Luxury Town Car
  4. VIP Limo
  5. Private Minivan Service
  6. VIP Travel Service
  7. Luxury Airport Pickup
  8. Luxury Transportation Company
  9. Executive Chauffeur
  10. Luxury Town Car
  11. VIP Limo
  12. Private Minivan Service
  13. VIP Travel Service
  14. Luxury Airport Pickup
  15. Luxury Transportation Company
  16. Executive Chauffeur
  17. Luxury Town Car
  18. VIP Limo


Elite Executive Car Service Vancouver
Luxury Transfer Service Vancouver
Luxury Transfer Service Vancouver

Each vehicle is meticulously maintained and equipped with privacy features, allowing you to unwind or work in peace as you travel. It's not just a ride; it's an experience that elevates your trip from ordinary to extraordinary. Your driver is a professional, knowing the best routes to get you to your destination efficiently and safely. You're not just booking a ride; you're securing a premium experience that adds a touch of elegance and class to your event.

Private Car Service

  1. VIP Limo
  2. Private Minivan Service
  3. VIP Travel Service
  4. Luxury Airport Pickup
  5. Luxury Night Out Transport
  6. Luxury Private Coach
  7. High-End Chauffeur
  8. Corporate Car Service
  9. VIP Car Service
  10. Luxury Travel Concierge
  11. Luxury Transportation Company
  12. Executive Chauffeur
  13. Luxury Town Car
  14. VIP Limo
  15. Private Minivan Service
  16. VIP Travel Service
  17. Luxury Airport Pickup


You're not just choosing a greener way to travel; you're also contributing to the preservation of the breathtaking landscapes between Vancouver and the Sea to Sky corridor. 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. Forget about the hassle of navigating or the stress of crowded tour buses.

How will Banff Transport redefine the future of luxury journeys for its discerning clientele? With Banff Transport, every journey is an opportunity to indulge in unparalleled luxury and convenience. You're not just getting a ride; you're being provided with a service that's meticulously designed around your needs and preferences.

Luxury Fleet

  • VIP Car Service
  • Luxury Travel Concierge
  • Luxury Transportation Company
  • Executive Chauffeur
  • Luxury Town Car
  • VIP Limo
  • Private Minivan Service
  • VIP Travel Service
  • Luxury Airport Pickup
  • High-End Chauffeur
  • Corporate Car Service
  • VIP Car Service
  • Luxury Travel Concierge
  • Luxury Transportation Company
  • Executive Chauffeur


You can all travel together, making memories from the moment you set off.

Luxury Private Coach

  • Luxury Airport Pickup
  • Luxury SUV Rental
  • Luxury Sedan Rental
  • Executive Car Service
  • Luxury Night Out Transport
  • Luxury Private Coach
  • High-End Chauffeur
  • Corporate Car Service
  • VIP Car Service
  • Luxury Travel Concierge
  • Luxury Transportation Company
  • Executive Chauffeur
  • Luxury Town Car
  • VIP Limo
  • Private Minivan Service
  • VIP Travel Service
  • Luxury Airport Pickup
  • Luxury SUV Rental
  • Luxury Sedan Rental
Diving deeper, you'll find that each service isn't just about transportation; it's about creating memorable experiences. For those longer trips, enjoy our onboard entertainment options or lose yourself in music with noise-canceling headphones.



Luxury Travel Concierge

  1. VIP Limo
  2. Private Minivan Service
  3. VIP Travel Service
  4. Luxury Airport Pickup
  5. Private Luxury Car
  6. Luxury Travel Service
  7. Luxury Fleet
  8. Executive Van Service
  9. Private Executive Car
  10. Luxury Car Service
  11. Luxury SUV Rental
  12. Luxury Sedan Rental
  13. Executive Car Service
  14. Luxury Night Out Transport
  15. Luxury Private Coach
  16. High-End Chauffeur
  17. Corporate Car Service
  18. VIP Car Service
Executive Event Chauffeur Vancouver

From the moment you step inside one of our vehicles, you'll be enveloped in a world of premium comfort and convenience. It's designed for easy navigation, allowing you to quickly fill out the reservation form with your travel details. Moreover, they're constantly updating their practices to stay on the forefront of environmental stewardship. This feature allows you to enjoy the peacefulness or listen to your choice of music and entertainment without competing with the roar of traffic. Imagine gliding through breathtaking landscapes, ensconced in your personal haven, where every detail is curated to honor your need for solitude.
Stay with us as we unpack the layers of this exclusive service that promises to redefine luxury travel for families and groups. If you're keen on exploring at your own pace, renting electric bikes is a fantastic option. Following the seamless booking process, your next concern is likely the safety and reliability of your journey from Vancouver to the Sea to Sky region. Choose Banff Transport's Luxury Private Transportation Service Vancouver for a travel experience tailored precisely to your dreams.
Then, there's the convenience of shuttle services. Here, you'll select your travel dates, pick-up and drop-off locations, and specify the number of passengers to ensure the vehicle meets your space and comfort needs. If you're all about online convenience, their website is your go-to. After you've made your selections, a clear and concise confirmation is sent directly to your inbox, outlining all the details of your upcoming journey, including the driver's information and any special instructions you've provided. Read more about VIP Airport Pickup Vancouver here
You'll find that each vehicle in their fleet isn't just a means to get you from point A to B but a luxurious experience designed to cater to your every need. With our private transportation service, it won't be. Unlike standard options, this service isn't just about getting you from point A to B; it's about ensuring your journey is as memorable as the destination itself.

Private Luxury Car

  1. Private Car Service
  2. Private Chauffeur
  3. Private Luxury Car
  4. Luxury Travel Service
  5. Luxury Fleet
  6. Executive Van Service
  7. Private Executive Car
  8. Luxury Car Service
  9. Luxury SUV Rental
  10. Luxury Sedan Rental
  11. Executive Car Service
  12. Luxury Night Out Transport
  13. Luxury Private Coach
  14. High-End Chauffeur
  15. Corporate Car Service
  16. VIP Car Service
  17. Luxury Travel Concierge
  18. Luxury Transportation Company
  19. Executive Chauffeur
  20. Luxury Town Car
Emily R. couldn't stop praising the punctuality and comfort, sharing, 'They were right on time, and the ride was so smooth and comfortable. Explore VIP Airport Pickup Vancouver here



Executive Van Service

  • Luxury Town Car
  • VIP Limo
  • Private Minivan Service
  • VIP Travel Service
  • Luxury Airport Pickup
  • Corporate Car Service
  • VIP Car Service
  • Luxury Travel Concierge
  • Luxury Transportation Company
  • Executive Chauffeur
  • Luxury Town Car
  • VIP Limo
  • Private Minivan Service
  • VIP Travel Service
  • Luxury Airport Pickup
  • Corporate Car Service
  • VIP Car Service
  • Luxury Travel Concierge
Executive Event Chauffeur Vancouver
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

 

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.

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See also

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References

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  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.
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  • The dictionary definition of limousine at Wiktionary
  • Media related to Limousines at Wikimedia Commons

 

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