Elite Transportation Service Vancouver

Elite Transportation Service Vancouver

Luxury City Tour

Plan your itinerary with flexibility, allowing for spontaneous detours or relaxation. Learn more about Elite Transportation Service Vancouver here You'll enjoy plush seating, climate control, and entertainment options that make the miles fly by.

Luxury Car Service

  • Business Transportation
  • Private Minivan Service
  • Corporate Car Service
  • Luxury Night Out Transport
  • Executive Van Service
  • Luxury Corporate Travel
  • Luxury Transportation Company
  • Luxury Private Coach
  • Private Event Transportation
  • Luxury Travel Concierge
  • VIP Transportation
  • Luxury Car Hire
  • Premium Limo Service
  • Luxury Group Transportation
  • Luxury Airport Shuttle
We then create a personalized itinerary that fits your time frame, budget, and desires. Your driver, knowledgeable about the area, will likely provide you with a brief overview of Banff's must-see attractions. Learn more about Banff Transport here. Their experienced drivers are well-versed in the area's attractions and can offer insights to make your journey more memorable.
You'll find yourself surrounded by elegance and sophistication from the moment you step into one of our vehicles. What sets our luxury private transportation service apart are the exclusive on-board services designed to elevate your Vancouver to Banff journey. This level of attention to detail sets luxury private transportation apart, providing an unmatched travel experience for cruise terminal and ferry port transfers. Don't just stick to the well-trodden paths; ask your driver for insider tips on hidden gems that most tourists miss.
Should you have any special requests or need further assistance, customer service is readily available. Your luxury transport service should have vehicles equipped for icy roads, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride. 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. 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.
The platform's designed to ensure you can tailor the service to your exact needs, making your trip comfortable and hassle-free.

Luxury Wedding Transport

  1. Luxury Hotel Transfer
  2. Private Car Service
  3. Luxury Ride
  4. Executive Limo
  5. High-End Shuttle
  6. Luxury Prom Limo
  7. Luxury Fleet
  8. Luxury SUV Rental
  9. Luxury Van Service
  10. Corporate Executive Transport
  11. Executive Car Service
  12. Private Chauffeured Van
  13. Airport Transfer
  14. Luxury Town Car
  15. Luxury Chauffeur Service
  16. Luxury Wedding Transport
  17. Private Limo
  18. High-End Car Service
  19. Private VIP Car Service
  20. Luxury Ground Transportation
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. Private Limo You'll find that planning your trip is as effortless as the ride itself. They're not just about getting you from point A to B; they're about ensuring you arrive precisely when you need to.

But what truly sets this service apart? So, when you choose this luxury private transportation service, you're choosing a travel companion as flexible as your sense of adventure. High-speed Wi-Fi keeps you connected, allowing you to catch up on work or stream your favorite shows as the stunning landscapes roll by outside. It's not just a journey; it's an experience tailored just for you.

Private Limo

  • Private SUV Transportation
  • Private Chauffeur
  • Luxury Sedan Rental
  • Luxury Sedan Service
  • Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  • Luxury Airport Pickup
  • Luxury Party Bus
  • Luxury Limousine
  • Airport Limo
  • Executive Chauffeur
  • VIP Airport Pickup
  • Private Luxury Car
  • Luxury Car Rental
  • Luxury Limousine Rental
  • VIP Limo
  • Private Airport Transfer

From sleek sedans to spacious SUVs, there's a car to fit every need and group size. Following the seamless booking process, your safety and privacy take center stage with Banff Transport's stringent standards. Layering your clothing will help you adjust to varying temperatures throughout the day.
By streamlining their operations and focusing on efficiency, they manage to cut unnecessary costs, passing these savings directly to you. Our luxury private transportation service turns any special occasion into an unforgettable experience, ensuring you arrive in style and comfort. Read more about Elite Transportation Service Vancouver here That's why they offer customizable travel itineraries.
You'll find everything you need there, from service options to scheduling. You're not tied to rigid timetables, which means you can explore at your own pace, making stops wherever and whenever you wish. This tailored approach extends to the booking process as well.

Citations and other links

Elite Limousine Transportation Vancouver

You're invited to explore how this esteemed company redefines what it means to travel in style, offering an unparalleled blend of tailored services, a fleet that boasts excellence, and chauffeurs whose experience and professionalism are unmatched. With these premium features and amenities, your trip from Vancouver to Banff isn't just a travel necessity; it becomes a highlight of your adventure, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience in the Canadian Rockies.

Luxury City Tour

  1. High-End Car Service
  2. Private VIP Car Service
  3. Luxury Ground Transportation
  4. Limousine Rental
  5. Executive Transportation
  6. Business Transportation
  7. Private Minivan Service
  8. Corporate Car Service
  9. Luxury Night Out Transport
  10. Executive Van Service
  11. Luxury Corporate Travel
  12. Luxury Transportation Company
  13. Luxury Private Coach
  14. Private Event Transportation
  15. Luxury Travel Concierge
  16. VIP Transportation
  17. Luxury Car Hire
Everyone gets a plush seat, ensuring the journey is enjoyable for all passengers. You'll find that the luxury private transportation service doesn't cut corners when it comes to your well-being. Luxury Chauffeur Service The service is designed to accommodate your preferences and interests, making it ideal for those who seek flexibility and exclusivity in their travels.

You're not just booking a ride; you're securing a premium experience that adds a touch of elegance and class to your event. Your chauffeur isn't only a skilled driver but also a guardian of your peace of mind, allowing you to sit back, relax, and truly enjoy the breathtaking landscapes that unfold on your journey through Vancouver's most picturesque route. In essence, it's all about elevating your experience from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Imagine you're starting or ending your cruise journey in Vancouver, a bustling port city known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban life. Luxury Ground Transportation

Exploring Banff's transport services offers a plethora of options tailored to enhance your travel experience, ensuring you can navigate the scenic beauty with ease and style. Whether you're planning a quiet getaway or a full-fledged family adventure, you'll find an option that perfectly matches your preferences and requirements. It's straightforward: visit their website, where you'll find a user-friendly booking system. Driving through the Fraser Valley, you'll witness a tapestry of lush farmland bordered by mountain ranges.

Simply visit their official website or use their dedicated mobile app, both designed with your convenience in mind. It's not just about moving from one point to another; it's about creating an unforgettable experience that starts the moment you step into one of our vehicles. High-End Chauffeur Whether you're heading to the airport, a business meeting, or a scenic tour, Banff Transport's downtown pickup points simplify your travel.

Limousine Rental

  • Premium Limo Service
  • Luxury Group Transportation
  • Luxury Airport Shuttle
  • Private SUV Transportation
  • Private Chauffeur
  • Luxury Sedan Rental
  • Luxury Sedan Service
  • Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  • Luxury Airport Pickup
  • Luxury Party Bus
  • Luxury Limousine
  • Airport Limo
  • Executive Chauffeur
  • VIP Airport Pickup
  • Private Luxury Car
  • Luxury Car Rental
  • Luxury Limousine Rental
  • VIP Limo
  • Private Airport Transfer
The car was spotless and equipped with amenities that made my trip to the ferry port feel more like a luxury tour.' Alex P. was impressed by the seamless experience, stating, 'Booking was easy, the price was clear, and there were no hidden charges.

Elite Limousine Transportation Vancouver
Executive Event Transportation Vancouver

Executive Event Transportation Vancouver

With Banff Transport, your group's comfort, safety, and satisfaction are always the top priority. Every aspect of their operation, from the vehicles they choose to the way they manage their bookings, reflects a strong environmental commitment. With them at the wheel, you're assured of a timely and serene transit, allowing you to savor every moment of your journey. When you decide to elevate your travel experience with Banff Transport's Luxury Private Transportation Service in Vancouver, you're not just booking a ride; you're crafting an unforgettable part of your holiday. Curious about what makes this service stand out and how it can transform your next holiday?

Whether you're after the sleek elegance of a sedan or the spacious luxury of an SUV, the choice is yours. So, no matter the size of your group or the nature of your trip, you're guaranteed a smooth, premium experience. Picture yourself stepping into a high-end vehicle, where the seats are more than just seats-they're plush, spacious havens designed to provide the utmost comfort over the long haul. Executive Transportation Don't miss Granville Island for an indulgent foodie experience, sampling local delicacies and artisan goods.

As you settle into the plush, ergonomically designed seating, the stresses of public transport and crowded highways melt away. When it comes to your journey from Vancouver to Banff, prioritizing safety and comfort ensures a worry-free travel experience. Luxury City Tour You won't have to worry about the logistics of navigating through unfamiliar territories or coordinating multiple vehicles. Each trip is tailored to your preferences, ensuring a personalized experience that caters to your every need.

Luxury Travel Transportation

  1. Luxury Sedan Rental
  2. Luxury Sedan Service
  3. Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  4. Luxury Airport Pickup
  5. Luxury Party Bus
  6. Luxury Limousine
  7. Airport Limo
  8. Executive Chauffeur
  9. VIP Airport Pickup
  10. Private Luxury Car
  11. Luxury Car Rental
  12. Luxury Limousine Rental
  13. VIP Limo
  14. Private Airport Transfer
  15. Luxury Hotel Transfer
  16. Private Car Service
  17. Luxury Ride
  18. Executive Limo


For those longer stretches, enjoy the convenience of onboard refreshments. You'll find yourself surrounded by the epitome of comfort and style, as each vehicle in the lineup is chosen with your satisfaction in mind. Private VIP Car Service It was the highlight of our trip,' she says enthusiastically. Hear what our satisfied customers have to say about their luxurious rides to cruise terminals and ferry ports.

Private Business Travel Transportation Vancouver

It's a win-win scenario where you don't have to sacrifice comfort for sustainability on your scenic journey. To finalize your booking, you'll enter your payment information through their secure system. Business Transportation Tailored specifically for families and groups, you're invited to discover a world where every travel necessity and luxury is anticipated and catered to. Their exceptional safety standards mean you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey, knowing you and your loved ones are well taken care of.

Whether it's through social media, a blog, or a personal journal, documenting your thoughts and feelings adds depth to your memories. Understanding the value of your money, Banff Transport offers a variety of pricing and packages designed to accommodate your specific needs and budget. 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.

Many customers have shared their exceptional experiences with Banff Transport, praising its luxurious, eco-friendly services. For those special occasions or when you simply crave the utmost in sophistication, the luxury limousines await to transform your journey into an unforgettable affair. Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your trip, including the driver's contact information and any special instructions.

Additional amenities, such as Wi-Fi and entertainment systems, are at your fingertips, making the hours fly by.

Luxury Ride Share

  1. Corporate Executive Transport
  2. Executive Car Service
  3. Private Chauffeured Van
  4. Airport Transfer
  5. Luxury Town Car
  6. Luxury Event Car Service
  7. Private Executive Car
  8. Luxury Transfer Service
  9. Luxury Travel Transportation
  10. Corporate Shuttle
  11. Luxury Car Service
  12. Luxury Chauffeur Service
  13. Luxury Wedding Transport
  14. Private Limo
  15. High-End Car Service
  16. Private VIP Car Service
  17. Luxury Ground Transportation
  18. Limousine Rental
  19. Executive Transportation
Moreover, they understand that each group has unique needs. Moreover, Banff Transport's drivers are at the heart of their safety commitment.

Private Business Travel Transportation Vancouver
Vancouver Black Car Service
Vancouver Black Car Service

You'll appreciate the quiet, smooth ride while knowing you're contributing to a healthier planet. Plush seating envelops you in comfort, making even the longest trips feel like a retreat. As you venture beyond Vancouver, let's transport you seamlessly to the breathtaking landscapes of Banff, where adventure awaits at every turn. You're not just getting a ride; you're being provided with a service that's meticulously designed around your needs and preferences.

Luxury Ground Transportation

  1. Luxury Night Out Transport
  2. Executive Van Service
  3. Luxury Corporate Travel
  4. Luxury Transportation Company
  5. Luxury Private Coach
  6. Private Event Transportation
  7. Luxury Travel Concierge
  8. VIP Transportation
  9. Luxury Car Hire
  10. Premium Limo Service
  11. Luxury Group Transportation
  12. Luxury Airport Shuttle
  13. Private SUV Transportation
  14. Private Chauffeur
  15. Luxury Sedan Rental
  16. Luxury Sedan Service
  17. Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  18. Luxury Airport Pickup
  19. Luxury Party Bus
  20. Luxury Limousine


You don't have to navigate through complex steps or wait on lengthy phone calls. Our guests were impressed by the comfort and style of the transportation. Each chauffeur undergoes extensive background checks and continuous training to meet the highest safety and service standards.

Once you've filled in the necessary details, you'll be prompted to review the available vehicle options. If you're keen on exploring at your own pace, renting electric bikes is a fantastic option. Whether it's a quick downtown pickup or a leisurely tour around Vancouver's scenic routes, they've got you covered.

They're not stopping at mere comfort; they're pushing the boundaries towards an eco-friendly future, transitioning to electric vehicles that promise both luxury and a lighter footprint on our planet. Banff Transport takes care of all the details, from planning optimal routes to managing luggage space. Our professional chauffeurs handle all the details, allowing you to focus on what matters most - making memories.

Luxury Event Car Service

  • Luxury Hotel Transfer
  • Private Car Service
  • Luxury Ride
  • Executive Limo
  • High-End Shuttle
  • Luxury Prom Limo
  • Luxury Fleet
  • Luxury SUV Rental
  • Luxury Van Service
  • Corporate Executive Transport
  • Executive Car Service
  • Private Chauffeured Van
  • Airport Transfer
  • Luxury Town Car
  • Luxury Travel Transportation
  • Corporate Shuttle
  • Luxury Car Service
  • Luxury Chauffeur Service
  • Luxury Wedding Transport
  • Private Limo


Professional Driver Car Service Vancouver

This ensures that your driver isn't only experienced but also prepared to handle any situation that might arise during your trip. He says, 'Banff Transport has transformed my trips to Vancouver. They can help customize your journey, whether it's adjusting the route to include scenic stops or ensuring specific amenities are on board. These services often include plush, spacious seating that allows you to relax or work in a tranquil environment. We can arrange that.
With a fleet designed to impress and services that cater to the most discerning travelers, you're likely curious about how this could change your travel routine. We also prioritize maintaining a transparent line of communication with you throughout your journey. In winter, the snowy landscape offers breathtaking views, but it also means you'll need to pack warm clothing and be prepared for potential delays due to weather. You won't find these opportunities in standard travel itineraries.
You'll be amazed at the level of comfort and convenience they describe. Whether you're drawn to the serene beauty of snow-capped mountains, the thrill of skiing down pristine slopes, or the charm of quaint, historic towns, we've got you covered. Our fleet consists of high-end vehicles equipped with the latest amenities to ensure your ride is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. That's what Mark, a frequent business traveler, raves about.
This flexibility extends to last-minute changes. You're treated to spacious, climate-controlled vehicles equipped with plush seating and ample legroom, allowing you to relax or work in peace as you traverse the breathtaking landscapes between Vancouver and Banff. 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. After exploring the overarching benefits of luxury private transportation for cruise terminal and ferry port transfers, let's now highlight the specific features that distinguish this service.

Private VIP Car Service

  • Premium Limo Service
  • Luxury Group Transportation
  • Luxury Airport Shuttle
  • Private SUV Transportation
  • Private Chauffeur
  • Luxury Sedan Rental
  • Luxury Sedan Service
  • Luxury Hotel Shuttle
  • Luxury Airport Pickup
  • Luxury Party Bus
  • Luxury Limousine
  • Airport Limo
  • Executive Chauffeur
  • VIP Airport Pickup
  • Private Luxury Car
  • Luxury Car Rental
Luxury Ride Share

Explore Elite Transportation Service Vancouver here
Professional Driver Car Service 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.

[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

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can bring your pet along, but there might be specific requirements or additional fees. It's best to check directly with them for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding traveling with pets.

You'll want to check carefully because sometimes there could be hidden fees or charges not included in the initial quote. It's always best to ask directly to avoid any surprises with your final bill.

If you're facing unexpected delays or challenging road conditions on your journey, the luxury private transportation service adapts by taking alternative routes or adjusting schedules to ensure you still reach your destination comfortably and safely.