RSSLimo News | San Francisco Travel Blog - Part 8
Limo Service Takes Delivery of Custom Transformers Bumblebee Camaro SS Limousine
A limousine service in Perth, Australia, is about to increase its visibility in that market in a very big way. ShowTime Limos just took delivery of a custom Transformers Bumblebee Camaro SS stretch limo that will be difficult to overlook wherever it goes. The striking yellow and black paint job combined with the fact that it is a classic muscle car stretched into a limousine will certainly turn heads as it transports guests in this Western Australian city.
The limo company isn’t saying who took a Transformers Special Edition Bumblebee Camaro SS and added another eight or so feet to stretch it into a limo, but the creator certainly did some serious metal fabricating. The fabricating began with scissor-style front doors that mimic the appearance of a bumblebee’s wings. The custom automaker then added gullwing doors to the passenger cabin, which also resemble a bee’s wings. Moving inside, the first thing guests will notice is the Transformer Bumblebee head, which adorns the limo’s wet bar. The spacious cabin seats up to 12 guests who can enjoy luxury amenities such as fiber optic lighting, laser lights, a mirrored ceiling and a state-of-the-art audio system with CD player, iPod and MP3 player capabilities. The custom limo also offers two flat-screen TVs and a DVD player for watching DVDs of Transformers episodes and other entertainment.
Under the hood is a General Motors 6.2-liter V8 capable of producing up to 426 horsepower to get guests to their destinations in a hurry. All that power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. We’ve no word yet on how this limo handles, but we’d guess that it doesn’t hold a corner at speed quite like a regular Special Edition Camaro SS.
This is another in a continuing series of blog posts intended to bring you the latest in weird and wonderful custom limousines. We do not currently offer any Camaro SS limousines in our fleet of San Francisco limos, but we do offer custom stretch limousines that are more focused on cool amenities and guest comfort than yellow and black paint jobs. If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable Bay Area limo rental, give us a call today at NLS Limo at 800-339-8936. We may not have a Transformer limousine, but we do have Lincolns, Hummers, Excursions, Cadillacs and many other models for you!
Tickled Pink Fun Day Treats Cancer Survivors to Limo Ride and Pampering
Ten women in Texas were treated recently to a full day of comfort and pampering, all due to a limousine service and an organization dedicated to helping cancer patients. The ladies were all strangers before being chosen by the South Texas Chapter of Guardians of the Ribbon, an organization dedicated to helping cancer patients. They are all cancer survivors selected for the organization’s annual Tickled Pink Fun Day who became fast friends and enjoyed each other’s company immensely during the limo ride, lunch and spa treatments.
Evelyn Thompson, a breast cancer survivor and one of the participants, said that few people understand the toll that cancer takes on a woman’s psyche and sense of well-being. “It has been nice because we do understand. It has been fun because there is a camaraderie there,” she said. "It is nice getting to know them; it is a special day."
The day began at 8 a.m. for the ladies when they were picked up by their limousine and transported to a local salon for a free hair and makeup makeover. Then, their limo took them to a local plaza where they were the guests of honor at a ceremony that included a release of doves and each of them signing the Pink Fire Truck of the Guardians of the Ribbon. Next, their limousine transported them to a very nice restaurant for a complimentary lunch and then a local nail spa for free manicures and pedicures.
"It means the world to me because it shows support, and that is what every person with cancer needs – the support of family and friends. That is what you need for healing," Thompson said.
Another honoree, a breast cancer survivor named Annie Frysak, also said that being around other cancer survivors helped her heal and face a recent diagnosis of leukemia.
“It makes me feel better being around other people that understand,” she said.
We often feature inspirational stories like this on our blog because they shed light on ordinary people doing extraordinary things for others who cannot or would not do them for themselves. We often partner with local charities to help people who deserve a limo ride and other treats to brighten their day, and we applaud limo services and organizations in other areas that make events like these possible. If you know of someone or a group of people that are going through a tough time and could use a bit of comfort and pampering in a San Francisco limousine, give us a call at NLS Limo at 800-339-8936.
San Francisco Company Sued By Taxi and Limo Companies Over Smartphone App
It’s been a rough couple of months for San Francisco software company Uber, the company that built a smartphone application that allows users to arrange and pay for taxi and limo rides with their phones. This month, the company’s attempt to add New York taxi service in addition to its limo services was swatted down by that city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission. Uber was also recently sued by taxi and limousine services in Chicago for “violating numerous local and state laws regarding public safety, consumer protection, and fair practices.”
Some say that Uber’s problems can be traced to the brash tactics and harsh criticism of city regulations of its CEO Travis Kalanick. Many cities have taken issue with Mr. Kalanick’s outspoken contempt “of any regulation (of his industry) in general,” saying that they are in a much better position to dictate policy in their cities than he is.
The lawsuit filed recently in the Northern District of Illinois claims that Uber’s pricing policies are predatory, especially the 20 percent gratuity surcharge for its e-hail and payment service. Uber has announced that they plan to implement a similar surcharge for New York customers. The suit alleges that while customers are charged 20 percent for a gratuity, only half of that money goes to the driver, with the other half going to Uber. The suit also claims that the company charges more than the established rate for taxi meters and charges customers for credit card processing costs, a violation of Chicago ordinances.
The suit also claims that Uber’s actions are unlawful, as they arrange fares without the knowledge or consent of taxi and limousine companies. The complaint states that the smartphone application gives users the “false impression” that it is in association with transportation providers. It says that this false impression gives Uber “the aura of legitimacy,” with the public while avoiding “the costs and time necessitated by compliance with the laws and regulations.”
As you might guess, we have our own perspective on this application. We feel that there is a far simpler method of arranging limousine rides, at least in the Bay Area, that doesn’t require a smartphone app or a smartphone. People who need to rent a San Francisco limo for an upcoming event can use any kind of phone to call us at 800-339-8936 and speak with one of our reservation specialists. A smartphone app may be slick and fast, but it can’t answer questions, greet you warmly, help you decide which Bay Area limo rental is best for you and your group or help you in many other aspects. If you prefer genuine customer service over cutting-edge technology, call us at NLS Limo today, and let us help you choose the San Francisco limousine that will be perfect for your special occasion!
Classic Car Enthusiasts Turn Attention to Big Auction in UK Next Month
There will be a lot of treats for classic car lovers in the United Kingdom this coming Halloween. That’s the day that a classic car fleet worth an estimated $42 million will go on the auction block that features lots of rare automotive gems, including an Aston Martin once owned by Paul McCartney, a Ferrari Formula One racing car, a rare Gullwing Mercedes coupe and many other automotive sweets. Many eyes will focus on the RM Auctions Automobiles of London event in Battersea, where at least 91 classic cars will be on the auction block.
Highlights on the docket include these:
- A 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Alloy Gullwing, one of just 29 built, worth an estimated $5 million
- A 1998 Ferrari F300 Formula One Racing car, worth an estimated $750,000
- A 1967 Aston Martin DB6 Shooting Brake, worth an estimated $510,000
- A 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Limousine once owned by Coco Chanel, Elizabeth Taylor and John Lennon, worth an estimated $175,000
- A 1952 Bentley Continental R-Type Fastback Sports Saloon by H.J. Mulliner & Co., worth an estimated $1 million
- At least 11 more classic Aston Martin automobiles of various vintages
- At least 11 more Ferraris, including a pristine 250 GT LWB ‘Tour de France,’ worth an estimated $3 million
- Vintage Bugattis, Mini Coopers and even a few vintage motorcycles as well
Prices for vintage automobiles have surged in recent years as more and more buyers have turned to them as investment vehicles. Prices for exceptionally rare cars, such as the Gullwing Mercedes and others, have increased as much as 19 percent in the last year alone, making them a very attractive option for investors looking for opportunities. Classic car values are closely monitored by Dietrich Hatlapa of the Historic Automotive Group Index, who says that values are up an astonishing 63 percent in the last five years.
He reports that, “Classic cars have been doing very well recently, and this year there has been a double-digit increase in value. The increase doesn’t apply to all old models, but rare cars which are technically interesting and have a racing pedigree are doing well.”
If you love classic cars but don’t have the means to buy one, we believe that we have the perfect solution! Rent one of our San Francisco classic cars and experience the thrill of riding in a vintage automobile at a tiny fraction of the cost of owning one. We have one of the best selections of vintage car rentals in the Bay Area, and they are available at very affordable rates. For more information about our makes, models and rentals rates, browse the pages of our site, and call us at NLS Limo at 800-339-8936 to reserve yours today!
New Range Rover Promises to Be “World’s Finest Luxury SUV”
Range Rover is now on its fourth generation of luxury sports utility vehicles, and the latest version breaks new ground in SUV composition and performance in a number of ways. The new SUV is much lighter (39 percent) due to an all aluminum monocoque body structure that reduces weight by nearly 1,000 pounds. The lighter weight makes the new SUV faster off the line and much more nimble when maneuvering through urban or off-road terrain, as well as improving fuel economy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The lighter body is grafted to a new aluminum chassis that features an independent air suspension for each wheel that delivers performance without sacrificing comfort. Early reviewers say that the steering on the new SUV has a more natural, intuitive feel than earlier Range Rover models, which significantly reduces body roll when cornering at speed.
Land Rover Global Brand Director John Edwards was effusive in his praise of the new SUV.
He said, “The new Range Rover preserves the essential, unique character of the vehicle – that special blend of luxury, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability. However, its clean sheet design and revolutionary lightweight construction have enabled us to transform the experience for luxury vehicle customers, with a step change in comfort, refinement and handling.”
The new SUV features some new refinements for the cabin as well. The windshield and door windows are coated with an acoustic laminate, which, along with the new lighter chassis and body, significantly reduces wind and road noise. The brochure describes the interior as “sumptuous,” a term that may well be accurate, given the SUV’s real wood veneers, plush leather seating, enhanced legroom and a wealth of other creature comforts.
The new Range Rover is available with a supercharged V8 gasoline motor, or buyers can also choose from the TDV6 and SDV8 diesel engines. Range Rover is currently taking orders for their new SUV model and expects to begin delivering them in early 2013.
Color us intrigued! We do not yet offer any Range Rover models in our fleet of San Francisco luxury SUV rentals, but the new model has certainly earned our full attention. The improved performance and gas mileage make this a very tempting addition to the Cadillacs, Lincolns, Denalis and other luxury sports utility vehicles in our fleet. If you’re thinking about renting a Bay Area luxury SUV for an upcoming trip and want the best selection at the best rates, just give us a call at NLS Limo at 800-339-8936 to reserve yours today!
Classic Car Rentals Become Fundraiser for Tennessee Museum
All classic car lovers dream about being able to drive these timeless beauties, and a few get to own them and drive them whenever they like. However, most folks never get a chance to get behind the wheel of a classic car. A museum in Tennessee has taken that longing and turned it into a very innovative fundraiser now in its third year. Recently, classic car enthusiasts from all over the Midwest got a chance to fulfill their dream of driving a vintage car during the third annual Rally for the Lane fundraiser for the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville.
The idea is quite simple, and thus far, has been very successful for the institution. Classic car buffs are allowed to “rent” one of the museum’s vintage cars and drive it 40 miles to nearby Columbia, Tenn. and back again. Drivers get to stretch their classic car experience by stopping for lunch with other drivers before heading back to the museum, where they are treated to a behind the scenes tour including the museum’s seldom seen collection of vintage cars in the basement.
Ed Krenz and his brother drove all the way from Wisconsin to enjoy the classic car rentals. It was their third year of making this automotive pilgrimage.
"It’s such a neat collection of cars and how often do you get a chance to go to a museum and take the stuff out and play with it?" Krenz said. "It’s always fun to talk to other people at lunch and then at the end of the day and find out what their day was like, too. I’m just enjoying the whole experience."
The funds raised during the event help pay for maintenance on the more than 330 classic cars in the museum’s collection.
"It is one of the most unique collections of automobiles that you will ever see," said Doran Edwards, who also plans to make the fundraiser each year. "There are some cars here that you will never see anywhere else in the world."
Now that we have written about it, it wouldn’t surprise us a bit if some of our staff members ask for time off around next year’s event. They love restoring classic cars and adding them to our collection. If you’ve always wanted to drive a classic car but can’t make the trip to Tennessee, you can rent them right here in the Bay Area! We offer several different San Francisco classic car rental options to our guests and add new classics to the collection as often as possible. For more information about your options, please browse the pages of our site, including pictures of these timeless classics. When you’ve made a decision on which vintage car is the one for you, just give us a call at NLS Limo at 800-339-8936 and we’ll take care of the rest!
Chauffeur Strands Guests After Party Bus Breaks Down
A party bus service in Colorado is under investigation by that state’s Attorney General’s office after an incident where 13 guests were stranded along a road after their party bus broke down. Thirteen women were celebrating a bachelorette party recently in Denver and had hired a party bus from a company called Mile High Party Bus when the bus broke down 30 minutes after picking them up. After the chauffeur opened the hood of the party bus to investigate, one of the ladies stepped out to offer assistance.
“I’m like you blew something. So we got out and he popped the hood and he was like, ‘I don’t know,’ and I was like it’s your serpentine belt,” she said.
The ladies told a reporter from Denver television station FOX 31 that their driver told them he would try to arrange another party bus for them, but the vehicle never arrived. They said that he ordered them all off the bus, locked all the doors and then caught a ride with a friend, stranding them on the side of the road.
“I think the least they could have done was help find some sort of transportation for us,” said one of the stranded guests.
Eventually, one of the ladies used her phone to contact another party bus service, which picked them up sometime later and took them back to their homes. A FOX 31 reporter made repeated attempts to contact the owner of the party bus service and finally reached him. The owner explained that Mile High Party Bus is one of many websites that he operates and that he doesn’t own any party buses or other luxury vehicles. He said that his company outsources all his business to local party bus services for a percentage of the fee. He told the reporter that he was very sorry about what had happened and would offer to compensate them for the costs of the extra party bus. He also said that he would offer them another party bus rental for free from another provider.
While we do arrange party bus and limousine rides from trusted limousine services for guests who need luxury transportation in other markets, this seems like a good time to remind readers that our site and our luxury vehicles are owned and operated here in the Bay Area. Nationwide Limousine Service has been based here in San Francisco for many years, and we have built our business by taking exceptional care of our guests. If you like to conduct business with local merchants and need to rent a party bus or limo for an upcoming event, you can rely on us for superb customer service, immaculately clean vehicles, professional drivers and the most affordable rates in the business. Call us at NLS Limo today at 800-339-8936 for more information about our San Francisco party buses and other vehicles!
Russian Automaker Unveils New Limousine
Legendary Russian automaker ZIL has announced that they are introducing a new limousine that for the moment is called the 4112-R. ZIL is an acronym for Zavod Imeni Likhachova or, literally, factory named after Likhachov. ZIL was the Soviet Union’s primary supplier of heavily armored vehicles for their Defense Department and also manufactured high-end limousines for the Soviet elite. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, ZIL has also branched off into making ultra-luxury sedans. Few of these vehicles are sold outside Russia, and, when they are available, they fetch prices more commonly associated with Rolls-Royces and Maybachs.
According to early reports, the 4112-R closely resembles other ZIL limousines from the 70s and 80s, with a boxy look reminiscent of Mercury Marquis models from the late 70s. ZILs tend to favor sharp edges and long wheelbases, but the new 4112-R features some updated body moldings that soften the ZIL look somewhat. The new limo seats six comfortably and includes four climate control systems, a television, minibar, polished wood trim accents and plush leather upholstery.
Under the hood, the 4112-R sports a powerful 400-horsepower 7.7-liter V8 engine capable of reaching 125 mph. The 4112-R needs a big power plant, as it weighs in at a very hefty 7,700 pounds. All that horsepower is smoothly transferred to the rear wheels by an Allison transmission that we suspect has been over engineered to withstand the rigors of moving such a heavy vehicle. ZIL reports that production of the 4112-R will begin sometime this winter and will be available in many different trim packages and interior configurations.
The 4112-R might not be the prettiest limo, but we would like to add one to our fleet of San Francisco limousines anyway. We are always on the lookout for new and unusual limos to add to our collection, and our technicians love to get under the hood to see how the motors are made and configured. It may be a while before we get a chance to get one, but if you’re looking for a Bay Area limo rental for an upcoming event, we still have many different options. Classic stretch limos, limousines with hot tubs, limo buses and SUV limos are but a few of the many options available for our guests. For more information about your limo options, availability, rental rates and more, just give us a call at NLS Limo today at 800-339-8936!
Governor Brown Signs Party Bus Bill Into Law
We have blogged quite a bit over the last several months about a proposed law that would toughen regulations and penalties for allowing underage drinking on party buses. The “party bus” law would close existing loopholes in California law that apply to alcohol consumption in limousines and other types of transportation and make it illegal for minors to drink alcohol while on board party buses. After debate in the State Assembly and Senate, Assembly Bill 45 passed both houses of the legislature and was recently signed into law by Governor Brown.
You may remember that the bill was introduced by Assemblyman Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) after a couple of tragic and irresponsible accidents involving excessive alcohol consumption aboard party buses. Beginning Jan.1, 2013, party buses carrying minors will be required to have a chaperone on board to ensure no underage drinking occurs. If minors do consume alcohol while riding in a party bus, chaperones could face criminal charges. Chauffeurs and party bus rental services can also get into trouble if minors drink on board party buses. Chauffeurs with three such violations could face misdemeanor charges, and party bus operators would face fines up to $2,000 for the first two offenses and have their licenses revoked for three or more violations.
The two fatal accidents prompted Assemblyman Hill to introduce this legislation.
"These incidents caused me to say, why could these things be happening?" Hill explained recently to reporters. "When these tragedies occurred a couple of years ago, what this new legislation hoped to do was to close that loophole and provide the same restrictions on buses as it does to limousines."
Many bar owners in San Francisco have banned party buses from their establishments after growing tired of party buses dropping off drunken riders at their businesses.
"Most clubs I know say ‘no’ to party buses," Steven Lee, owner of The Grand nightclub and member of the San Francisco Entertainment Commission. "People do all their drinking on the buses and it’s not a benefit to the club. We have to deal with all the security and all the hassle without any of the benefit."
As we have stated many times before, the new law won’t change our policies on underage drinking or rowdy behavior on our Bay Area limos, party buses, limo buses, luxury coaches and other types of transportation. The safety of our guests has always been and always will be our primary consideration, and we do not tolerate any illegal or reckless behavior. Our other consideration is that each of our guests has a fun, comfortable, memorable and affordable limo experience! If we sound like your idea of a professional and responsible San Francisco party bus service, call us at NLS Limo today at 800-339-8936 to reserve one for your next special occasion.
Pop Star Calls Limousines Embarrassing
If Australian pop star Kylie Minogue heads to the Bay Area for a concert, don’t look for any San Francisco limousines to pick her up at the airport. The 44-year-old singer recently told reporters that she gets embarrassed when a limo arrives to pick her up. She claims that she prefers a simpler, low profile life these days and is quite happy to live without some of the more ostentatious trappings of being an international recording star.
“I’m like, ‘Please don’t send a limousine! I find them embarrassing!’ I love to have this glamorous life sometimes, and if I didn’t have any of that, I would probably be dressing up a bit more each day or going out on the weekend and making a real effort. But I get to live out those fantasies on stage, in videos or photo shoots. But if I can go somewhere you can wear wellingtons – and just be a total and utter bush person – I need that,” she said recently.
Perhaps Ms. Minogue is a bit jaded after many years of limo transportation to and from nearly all destinations. She’s certainly entitled to her opinion, but her complaints ring a bit hollow to most people who only get to ride in limousines during special occasions. We freely admit that our opinion on this matter is anything but impartial. We still enjoy helping our guests celebrate significant events in their lives, such as these:
- Weddings
- Anniversaries
- Proms
- Bachelor/Bachelorette parties
- Other important events where our San Francisco limos add just the right touch of elegance, sophistication and comfort
If you’re planning a special event and would like to add a Bay Area limo rental to the occasion, you have come to the right place! Each limousine, party van, SUV limo, classic car, limo bus and other luxury transportation option in our fleet is clean, very comfortable and more affordable than you may think! And unlike other Bay Area limousine services, we don’t nickel-and-dime our guests with a la carte charges. We prefer to include as many amenities as possible for one low price. So, the next time you need a San Francisco limo, just give us a call at NLS Limo at 800-339-8936. Who knows? Maybe you want your limo rental for an upcoming Kylie Minogue concert!
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Great customer service, great prices, and always a lot of fun.
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.