RSSLimo News | San Francisco Travel Blog - Part 15
New Experimental Limo Could Be a Glimpse of Future Luxury Transportation
A new kind of limousine recently made its debut in the Netherlands and created quite a stir for its looks, composition, low carbon footprint and luxury amenities. The new limo more closely resembles a centipede than a luxury limousine and features 16 gullwing doors that add to its unusual appearance when opened. Developed jointly by the University of Technology of Delft and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, the as-yet unnamed limo is the product of a design team that wanted to create an environmentally responsible but luxurious mode of transportation for large groups of people.
The new limousine features most of the amenities you would expect in luxury ground transportation, such as HD televisions, climate control, internet connectivity, premium audio system, room for up to 23 passengers and other creature comforts. Among the many remarkable features of this new limo are the facts that it is an electric vehicle with zero carbon dioxide emissions, yet it has a top speed of 155 mph. It features an ultra-light but very strong carbon fiber frame that supports its nearly 50-foot length, and the Lexan composite windows that comprise most of each gullwing door are also strong but quite light.
Prominent members of the new limo’s design team include the first Dutchman in space, Dr. Wubbo Ockels, an Italian designer with a Formula One racing background, Dr. Antonio Terzi, and a Dutch aerospace engineer named Joris Melkert. The production team has not yet announced whether or not they plan to produce more of these next-generation limousines, but they hinted that we might see more on the road, at least in Europe, in 2015.
Regular readers of our blog know that we are always on the lookout for the new and unusual in the luxury ground transportation world, and love to pass along information about these automotive oddities whenever we can. It might be a while before we offer a zero-emission limousine in our fleet of San Francisco limos, but we like to offer as much variety as possible to our guests! To get an idea of the Bay Area limousines we currently offer in our fleet, please browse the pages of our site, and call us at 1-800-339-8936 for more information. If you need a San Francisco limousine or party bus for an upcoming event, please give us a call at NLS Limo for rates and availability.
California Limo Driver Leads Police on Chase
California Highway Patrol officers shut down Highway 12 in Santa Rosa for a short time recently after a chauffeur driving a limousine led them and members of other law enforcement agencies on a chase that lasted at least ten miles. Officers say the pursuit began around 11:30 a.m. when the chauffeur failed to obey an order to pull his limo over. Shortly after officers ordered the 31-year-old driver to pull over, the man rolled down his window, stuck his arm out, made a fist and extended his index finger toward the sky as he sped away.
A spokesman with the Sonoma County sheriff’s office said the driver took a detour through several side streets in Kenwood in an attempt to elude officers and eventually headed back onto Highway 12, where he fled from his pursuers. Strangely, even though he refused to pull over, officers said that the driver appeared to follow all traffic laws and did not exceed the posted 65 mph speed limit on Highway 12. Eventually, officers cleared Highway 12 ahead of the chauffeur’s path and deployed spike strips to puncture the limo’s tires. A helicopter joined the pursuit, and officers watched as the driver continued to leave his left arm hanging out the window.
“He was driving with one arm out the window and his index finger extended the whole time,” one said.
The limo ran over the spike strip shortly before noon, and officers apprehended the shirtless driver. The investigation is ongoing, but officers said the chauffeur did not appear to be intoxicated. They discovered that the man lives in the limo and does not use it to transport passengers. Police did not know why the man did not pull over as ordered and had his index finger pointed skyward throughout the pursuit.
We hear a lot of strange limo stories, but they generally involve guests’ behavior in the back of a limousine rather than a chauffeur’s antics in the front of the vehicle. If you’re looking for a San Francisco limousine experience for a special event that doesn’t involve fleeing and eluding police, chauffeurs driving with one hand and other unorthodox goings-on, you’re in luck! Our chauffeurs obey all traffic laws, don’t live in our limousines and rarely get pulled over. If this is the kind of San Francisco limo experience you prefer, please give us a call at NLS Limo today at 1-800-339-8936 to make a reservation.
British Automaker Announces Debut of Super SUV Limo
Luxury British automaker Eterniti has announced that they will debut the world’s first “super sport utility vehicle limo” at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show. Eterniti officials say that the vehicle is entirely hand-made and they expect production to begin sometime in spring 2012. The super SUV is called the Hemera and features a limousine-style luxury cabin with electric reclining seats, a drink chiller, iPads and many other luxury appointments intended to set the automaker apart from other limo manufacturers and grow market share.
Eterniti says the Hemera is passed on the Porsche Cayenne platform and features four-wheel drive and a performance package that offers handling and road manners that more closely resemble a European coupe than a SUV. Eterniti officials are being cagey about what is under the Hemera’s hood, but they do say that this luxury SUV limo is capable of reaching speeds of 180 mph and offers incredible braking power of 620 bhp, or braking horsepower.
We do not currently offer any Eterniti luxury vehicles in our fleet of Bay Area limousines, party buses, antique vehicles and other luxury vehicles, but we do offer a wide range of SUV limos, including these:
- 16 Passenger 2007 H2 Hummer Limos
- 16 Passenger H2 Hummer Limos
- 18 Passenger 2007 H2 Hummer Limos
- 18 Passenger H2 Hummer Limos
- 20 Passenger 2007 H2 Hummer Limos
- 20 Passenger H2 Hummer Limos
- 14 Passenger Expedition
- 14 Passenger Expedition (White & Black)
- 16 Passenger Expedition
- 16 Passenger Expedition (White & Black)
- 10 Passenger Black Lincoln Navigator Limo
- 12 Passenger Black Lincoln Navigator Limo
- 12 Passenger Stretch Excursion Limo
- 14 Passenger White & Black Excursion Limo
- 14 Passenger Excursion Limo (White or Black)
- 18 Passenger White & Black Excursion Limo
- 20 Passenger Tuxedo Excursion Limo
- 22 Passenger Excursion Limo
As you can see, there are plenty of San Francisco SUV limos for our guests for weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, sporting events and other special occasions. The spacious interiors and higher profile of our SUV limousines also make them a great choice for sightseeing tours! For more information about our Bay Area SUV limo rates and availability, please call us at NLS Limo today at 1-800-339-8936 to speak with one of our reservation specialists. For more information on the amenities available in each model, please visit our luxury SUV limo page!
Daimler Announces Plan to Discontinue Maybach Line of Luxury Vehicles
Daimler, owner of the venerable Mercedes-Benz line of luxury automobiles and the Maybach line of ultra-luxury vehicles has announced that they will discontinue producing Maybachs sometime in 2013. Daimler revived the Maybach brand around 11 years ago in an attempt to gain market share against the undisputed leader in the ultra-luxury auto segment, Rolls-Royce. Since its debut, Maybach sales have been disappointing, and there has been widespread speculation that Daimler would have to shelve the brand due to economic losses. Daimler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche confirmed the company’s plans recently in an interview with a German newspaper, claiming that the company will focus more of its attention and resources on the Mercedes-Benz brand.
“We held extensive discussions internally about which way would promise the greatest success in the luxury segment, and we came to the conclusion that the sales chances for the Mercedes brand were better than that of Maybach. It would not be sensible to develop a successor model for the current Maybach,” Zetsche told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper.
It’s easy to forget that Daimler reintroduced Maybach after missing an opportunity to purchase Rolls-Royce and Bentley a few years ago. BMW and Volkswagen bought these automakers, respectively. Maybach limousines sold for around $1 million each, and sales over the last several years have been a disappointing 200 or so units sold annually, insufficient volume for Daimler to keep the brand in production. The automotive press had received word that Daimler was in talks with Aston Martin to collaborate on keeping the Maybach brand alive, but talks between the two automakers were not successful.
We mourn the passing of the Maybach as it is truly one of the world’s great luxury automobiles. These vehicles are beautiful pieces of machinery inside and out, and, despite the fact that very few of us will ever own one, we hate to see the clean lines and striking profiles of these cars come to an end. We don’t offer any Maybach in our fleet of San Francisco limousines and other luxury vehicles, but we do offer a wide selection of vintage Rolls-Royce limos, contemporary Mercedes-Benz sedans and other luxury vehicles. For information on each model, rates and availability, please call us at NLS Limo today at 1-800-339-8936 to speak with one of our reservation specialists.
Rolls-Royce Recalls Ghost Models Due to Overheating Problem
In a most unexpected and unlikely move from an automaker known for its superb craftsmanship and unparalleled quality, Rolls-Royce recently announced a recall of some of its 2010 Ghost models for a potential heating problem in the cooling systems. Rolls is recalling 589 Ghost models built between September 2009 and September 2010 and equipped with turbochargers due to a circuit board on an auxiliary water pump that can overheat, smolder and potentially catch fire in the engine compartment. It is very, very rare that Rolls-Royce has a problem with any component of its luxury vehicles, but Rolls told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the smallest potential for fire was enough to voluntarily issue the recall.
Rolls said that the auxiliary pump cools the turbocharger on some motors during operation and continues to operate when the car is turned off. In some Ghost models, the overheated circuit board can cause the pump to fail, creating the potential for fire as the heat builds up. Rolls admits that it has not heard of any fires due to overheating pumps but is proactively addressing the problem. Ghost owners can return their autos to the dealer to have the pump replaced for free and can contact the automaker at 877-877-3735 for more information.
We suspect that one of Rolls’ parts suppliers has some serious explaining to do, as this automaker will not look kindly on a vendor that makes the brand look bad under any circumstances. Any company wishing to do business with Rolls must endure a very thorough vetting process to ensure that their standards for quality are consistent with Rolls’ decades-long reputation for excellence.
We do not currently have any of the recalled Rolls-Royce Ghost models in our fleet of luxury vehicles, but we do offer a few vintage Rolls limousines that are in no danger of having their circuit boards recalled! These beauties from the 40s are short on electronic gadgets, but very long on style, luxury and an unmistakable sense of elegance. If you would like to rent a San Francisco vintage Rolls-Royce from our selection for a wedding, anniversary, birthday, sightseeing tour or another special occasion, please call us at NLS Limo today at 1-800-339-8936! We promise the only recalls you’ll have to endure with our antique Rolls limos will be recalling what a wonderful time you had riding in them!
Bentley Announces Next Generation of Luxury Limousine Amenities
Bentley’s flagship Mulsanne models will begin featuring some remarkable amenities in the very near future. The luxury automaker already sets the standard for handcrafted luxury cabins in all its models, but Mulsanne buyers have some very high-tech appointments to look forward to in the coming model years.
Alasdair Stewart from Bentley Motors said that the next generation of Bentley buyers is made up of multitaskers who need to be able to work while on the go. Stewart said, “Many customers use their time in the Mulsanne to keep on top of their business commitments or simply take a few moments to relax. This fully functioning concept highlights the Mulsanne’s potential to help busy executives to communicate effectively and quickly whilst traveling. As you would expect from Bentley, all these features work in harmony with the handcrafted cabin and can be displayed or hidden at the user’s discretion.”
Some of these comforts and productivity appointments include the following:
- Two electric-powered, foldable wood veneer tables, each sporting an Apple iPad and Apple Bluetooth keyboard
- Internet connectivity for the iPads and other devices via a W-LAN
- Apple Mini Mac stored in the trunk for LAN integration and easy access to expanded data storage, Bluetooth-enabled, naturally
- 15.6-inch High Definition LED dropdown monitor in roof console with DVD changer
- Lighted center console with individual armrests for spacious four-seat configuration
- Rear console equipped with iPod and iPod control panel
- Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) and audio system for integrated entertainment options
- Two USB connectors provided for the Apple system and one Apple interface connector for the iPod
- Control panel on rear console to operate picnic tables, reading lights, control HD LED screen and select video and audio options
- Armrest containing Tibaldi fountain pen and privacy telephone handset
- Bottle cooler in center console, complete with illuminated, double-glazed frosted glass door
- Apple device-controlled, multi-directional reading lights for each rear passenger
- Many other luxury appointments
That impressive list is a glimpse into the future of luxury limousine amenities, and all we can say is, “Wow!” With list prices beginning at around $300,000, it could be a while before we add a Bentley Mulsanne to our fleet of San Francisco limousines, but it won’t be long before some of these entertainment/productivity amenities are standard features in the “regular” limousine world. Indeed, many are already available in the newer Bay Area limos in our fleet. For more information on these models and their amenities, please explore the pages of our site and/or call us today at NLS Limo at 1-800-339-8936 for more information.
Illegal San Francisco Limousine Companies Caught in Surprise Inspections
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), responding to a rising number of complaints about illegal Bay Area limousine companies, cracked down on illegal operators picking up fares at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), other California airports and the City of San Francisco in August. The CPUC sting operation made an impressive number of arrests, and the state agency issued a recent press release that outlined some of the arrests in the area. Of particular interest to Bay Area residents and legal San Francisco limousine services such as ours were the following excerpts from the CPUC press release:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO), August 4, 2011 – CPUC staff, the CHP, SFO Airport Police, and SFO Landside Operations conducted a joint surprise passenger carriers inspection. Approximately 84 vehicles (limos, buses, and shuttles) were pulled over for the inspection. The CPUC inspected 82 vehicles, issued one Misdemeanor Warning (operation with a pending CPUC permit), and issued 36 Notices to Correct Violations (vehicles not filed with CPUC, waybills, vehicle ID, and possible workers’ compensation violations). Subsequently, the CPUC suspended 11 carriers for engaging employee-drivers without procuring evidence of workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
- San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), August 9, 2011 – In late July, two investigators from SFMTA, Investigations and Regulatory Affairs Taxi Services, contacted the CPUC requesting that a CPUC investigator ride along with them to observe the problems of charter-party carriers acting like taxis at some of the major hotels in San Francisco. SFMTA had received complaints from taxicabs that the hotels’ doorman is redirecting hotel guests to the limousines staging nearby. SFMTA reported that the violations involving limousines acting as taxis occur between 10:30 a.m. and noon when guests are checking out and heading to SFO. A CPUC investigator rode along with SFMTA investigators and observed four charter-party carriers operated without a valid permit. An investigation will be initiated on these carriers.
Here at NLS Limo, we take the safety of our guests and the reputation of our industry very seriously. That is why we work hard and invest the resources to ensure that our CPUC licensing and compliance is always up to date, that our drivers are fully screened and licensed, that our vehicles are insured and maintained in top condition and that no expense is spared in making sure that our guests have a safe and wonderful time. We’re not the only San Francisco limo service that works this hard to ensure that we meet all CPUC regulations, but we may be the only one that provides outstanding customer service at low, affordable rates. If we sound like your kind of Bay Area limo provider, please call us at 1-800-339-8936 the next time you would like a limousine or any other type of luxury ground transportation to help you celebrate a special event.
CPUC Takes Legal Action Against Illegal Limo Companies
Recently, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the state agency that issues licenses for passenger carriers such as limousine companies, charter bus services and other carriers, took legal action against scores of illegal limo operators throughout the state. The CPUC diligently ensures that all carriers are properly licensed, carry the required amount of insurance coverage, maintain their vehicles to state standards and ensure compliance on many other aspects of the industry to protect passengers. Many of the outfits receiving fines and cease and desist orders were illegal San Francisco limousine companies. These fly-by-night outfits put profits above all other considerations, including their guests’ lives, and make it harder for legitimate Bay Area limo companies like us by painting us all in a bad light.
During the third quarter of 2001, the CPUC took legal action against at least 25 companies and fined them a total of $27,500 for a wide range of different violations, including the following:
- Advertising a revoked permit number
- Engaging employees without procuring evidence of workers’ compensation insurance
- Failing to enroll and/or pre-employment test drivers in a mandatory drug and alcohol program
- Failing to enroll drivers in DMV Pull Notice program
- General Order 157-D violation (failing to maintain a current equipment list, no sub-carrier agreement and incomplete waybills)
- Operating without a valid authority (suspended or unlicensed)
- Operating vehicles that are not insured at the required minimum level of public liability and property damage insurance
The CPUC also filed criminal complaints against many other passenger carriers throughout the state for illegal activities such as robbery, threatening to strand passengers unless they produced more money and other illegal acts.
We would like to reiterate that we post stories about illegal San Francisco limousine companies in order to educate our readers and prevent them from becoming targets of these criminals. In most cases, the guests who do business with these operators don’t know that they are doing business with an illegal and unethical operator. Here’s one sure way to ensure that you don’t end up riding in an illegal Bay Area limousine: limo carriers in California can only pick up guests if they have made a telephone reservation. If you are standing on a street corner or at the airport and a “chauffeur” offers a limo ride, don’t get in! That limo is illegal.
For a professional, luxurious and completely legitimate San Francisco limousine experience with a locally owned company that operates in full compliance with CPUC regulations, call us at NLS Limo today at 1-800-339-8936. We have set the standard for superb customer service, affordability and selection for many years now, and we understand that our reputation is on the line with each guest. If we sound like your kind of Bay Area limo provider, please call us to reserve your limo, party bus, antique car or other type of luxury transportation today!
Maserati Limo Listed on eBay
Maserati is one of those brands that car lovers all over the world immediately identify with and feel a bit wistful because so few of us can afford one. Names like Rolls-Royce and Bentley evoke similar feelings but for very different reasons. Here at NLS Limo, we love luxury vehicles of all kinds, but we have very strong feelings about which brands should remain high-end performance machines (like Maseratis) and which should remain stately luxury limousines (like Rolls and Bentley.) When we heard about a 10-passenger Maserati limousine being auctioned on eBay, our lead mechanic had to be rushed to the hospital. Such a thing was inconsistent with his worldview, and the thought of a fine Italian performance machine grafted to the body of a limo was just too much.
Retired Businessman Commissions Wild Custom Rolls-Royce
A businessman has invested many hundreds of thousands of dollars in what he aspires will be the “wackiest Rolls-Royce Phantom ever.” Robert Allan, 62, of Marbella, Spain and other locations is a retired businessman with very expensive tastes in automobiles. His Rolls-Royce Phantom, which has been described as the most modified Phantom in the world, has just arrived at his Marbella estate after weeks of what can only be described as a most unusual makeover. Mr. Allan commissioned London-based car dealer SuperVettura and designer Pablo Rabiella to customize the limo, and all we can say is it doesn’t look anything like the San Francisco Rolls-Royce limo rentals in our fleet.
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I've used Nationwide 3 or 4 times now and have not once been disappointed. Great customer service, great prices, and always a lot of fun. Staff always helps me pick the best option for my group and our budget.