RSSLimo Rental Tips | San Francisco Travel Blog - Part 12
Toyota Prius Is Top-Selling Car in San Francisco and Rest of California
Auto Data Corporation tracks auto sales across the country and issues an annual report ranking the best (and worst) selling cars in the U.S. The group recently published this year’s report, which states that the Toyota Prius is the best-selling car in the Bay Area and throughout California. The group tracked all vehicle sales from January through September and found that Californians bought at least 46,380 Prius hybrids over that period of time. Sales of the standard gas-electric hybrid Prius, the v wagon, the less expensive subcompact c and the all-electric, rose 26.3 percent in California over the same period of the previous year, and sales rose 14.5 percent in the rest of the country.
We have written about the Prius’ popularity in our blog before in a post about how popular the hybrid vehicles are with the wealthiest Californians. Apparently, that trend continues in the other states as well.
Jesse Toprak, automotive analyst at truecar.com, recently reported that, despite the low sticker price, Prius ownership is chic with the moneyed crowd.
"It’s one of the only non-luxury cars, that if you’re a wealthy person, it’s acceptable to own," he said.
A big part of the Prius’ success is reliability, but rising gas prices are also a big factor for California buyers. Gas prices here are the second-highest in the country, averaging $4.40 a gallon, compared to an average of $3.65 nationwide and second only to fuel prices in Hawaii.
Here in the Bay Area, many people prefer to go without owning a car to protect the environment and save money on gas, parking, insurance and maintenance. There are many alternatives for getting around, but every once in a while, people who don’t own a car need one for running errands, taking a drive to visit friends and relatives and many other uses.
That is why we offer San Francisco Prius rentals for our customers who only need a car for a day or an afternoon and want to reduce their carbon footprint. Our Prius rentals are clean, reliable and very affordable. If you’re looking for Prius hybrid rentals in the Bay Area, just give us a call at NLS Limo at 800-339-8936 to reserve yours today!
Rent One of Our San Francisco Limousines for a Sightseeing Tour!
Are you expecting a visit from friends or relatives and need a fun, luxurious and affordable way to show off our beautiful Bay Area? Rent one of our San Francisco limos, and treat them to one of our sightseeing tours! Renting a Bay Area limo for sightseeing instead of doing the driving yourself makes sense for many reasons such as these:
- Allowing you to focus on your guests
Renting a San Francisco limo for your sightseeing tour allows you to enjoy the ride as well! Instead of driving everyone from one destination to the next, you can focus instead on being a gracious host and catching up with friends and family. - Not having to deal with traffic
Why not leave the driving to the pros? Your chauffeur will know the best routes for taking in the sights and getting around traffic snarls, and you can enjoy not having to drive for once. - Giving your visitors a special experience
Surprising your guests with a limo ride for their sightseeing tour will surely be an experience that they will never forget! Everyone likes to be pampered, and riding in a limousine is the ultimate in luxury and comfort. - Relaxation
Imagine resting comfortably in the back of your limo, sipping a glass of your favorite beverage and taking in the San Francisco skyline. Or the Golden Gate Bridge. Or cruising along the coast. The possibilities are endless! Instead of dreading traffic and parking, you’ll be relaxing in the back of your limo and having a wonderful time!
We have lots of money-saving sightseeing tours from which to choose, or you can also create your own itinerary and show off your city and area with your own custom sightseeing tour. For more information about your San Francisco limo and sightseeing tour options, or to ask about creating your own tour, just give us a call today at 800-339-8936. We will be happy to answer all of your questions and make every effort to accommodate special requests. Call us at NLS Limo today to find out why we are the Bay Area’s premier limousine service!
Organizers Planning Game of Thrones Bus Tours Next Year
Fans of the smash hit HBO series Game of Thrones will be able to ride through the Irish countryside and view the locations where the program is filmed. The third season of the epic fantasy series is now being filmed in Northern Ireland, and planners report that they expect to have the tour buses up and running by this time next year. Game of Thrones fans will recognize many filming locations, including the North Coast Harbor of Ballintoy, a backdrop for many episodes. Other popular shooting locations expected to be included on the tour are Larrybane Quarry near the Carrickarede rope bridge on the North Coast, Inch Abbey and Tollymore Forest Park in Co Down.
The announcement pleased many tourism officials in Ireland, which, like many popular tourist destinations, has taken a sizable hit in recent years due to the recession.
"We have been working with the various tourism bodies for over a year, we got in touch about setting up this tour. We are helping them in terms of resources and putting them in touch with the right people like the broadcaster and distributor. We are keen on the overall film tourism thing, not just Game Of Thrones," one tourism official said.
Here in the Bay Area, we’re very familiar with movie and television locations as well. Lots of films and TV shows are and have been filmed in San Francisco and the surrounding area, and many local landmarks are instantly recognizable around the world. We’re no strangers to bus tours either. Millions of people visit our area each year and find that tour buses are the most comfortable, practical and affordable way to get around for sightseeing tours, airport transportation and many other destinations.
If you need comfortable and affordable group transportation for a sightseeing tour, wedding, sporting event or other special occasion, call us today at 800-339-8936. We offer luxury motor coaches, party buses, VIP buses and many other options to accommodate groups of all sizes. Whether you live in the Bay Area or are planning a visit, you can rely on NLS Limo for the best selection of San Francisco tour buses in the area. Call us today, and don’t forget to ask about our tour packages!
Maserati Plans to Increase Market Share With New Limousine and Other Models
Legendary Italian automaker Maserati has announced that they will introduce a new luxury limousine in the very near future, as well as a new SUV and mid-sized sedan. The recent announcement caught many exotic car enthusiasts by surprise, as Maserati has built an enviable reputation over the years as a designer and manufacturer of ultra high-end sports coupes. The new Maserati limousine will be called the Quattroporte, and comp-any officials hope that it, along with the new performance-focused SUV and luxury sedan models, will help Maserati boost sales and increase market share.
New models are not the only part of Maserati’s new direction. The automaker also plans to make some of their automobiles more affordable, with entry level models priced around $125,000, a price that is half that of Maserati’s lowest-priced cars. The Quattroporte is expected to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2013. Maserati is withholding most details about the new limo, but they have reported that it will be over 17 feet long and offer more cabin space than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series and Porsche Panamera.
The new sedan will be called the Ghibli, which Maserati says will compete with the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Classes. The new SUV will be called the Levante, which seems poised to compete with the Porsche Cayenne for SUV buyers with deep pockets.
Many staff members here at NLS Limo are very excited to hear about Maserati’s new direction. They are especially interested in seeing how Maserati designers reinvent the new limousine with their keen eye for automotive lines and details. If you have a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for superb customer service and need a San Francisco limousine for an upcoming event, you have definitely come to the right place! We have the Bay Area’s best selection of stretch limos, SUV limos, luxury sedans and other vehicles for groups of two up to 62. For more information about your options, as well as rates and availability, call us today at 800-339-8936!
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!
San Francisco Limousine Rentals Make a Great Gift Idea
About this time every year, we remind our readers that our San Francisco limousine rentals make excellent stocking stuffers for the upcoming holiday season, especially for the hard-to-buy-for people on your Christmas list. Everyone has someone like this on his or her list each year, and agonizing over what to get him or her can suck the joy right out of the Season of Joy. However, we believe that we have the perfect solution! Rent a Bay Area limo, and give them a gift they will never forget. Here are just a few reasons why a limo rental is a great gift idea:
- One size fits all
For intimate groups of two to larger groups of 22 or more, we have a San Francisco limo option that will seat everyone very comfortably. No matter which of our Bay Area limo rentals you choose, you can be sure that they will have a wonderful time and receive our superb customer service. - Limo rentals are more affordable than you think they are
The San Francisco limousine market is very competitive, which is good, as it keeps rental rates low. You can browse the pages of our site for current rate information, and, if you choose an off-peak day or night for the rental, you may be able to take advantage of our specials. - They go well with concert or sporting event tickets
Adding concert or sporting event tickets to the limo experience is a great way to sweeten an already very nice gift. - They are great gifts for your best clients
Many of our clients who buy limo rentals as gifts each year are businesspeople who give limousine experiences to their best clients. If you’re looking for a new way to impress a big account, give us a call at 800-339-8936 and let us take care of the rest! - This is one gift they definitely won’t return
The day after Christmas is when people return ugly sweaters, unneeded foot massagers, unwanted kitchen appliances and many other gifts that they simply don’t want. If you give a San Francisco limo rental, you can be sure that this is one gift that won’t be returned or re-gifted.
If you have one or more persons on your list that make the season of giving into the season of dreading, we believe that we have a solution to that problem. Call us at NLS Limo today at 800-339-8936 to make a San Francisco limousine reservation for them instead! If you have any questions or want to customize a limo experience, just let us know. We’ll be happy to help!
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!
Need a Break from Your Routine? Rent a Bay Area Limo!
Alchemists used to say that they could transform lead into gold. Their claims may have been dubious, but we know a surefire way to transform the mundane into the extraordinary! Rent a San Francisco limousine from us, and treat your significant other to a limo ride down the lovely California coast. If you’re both tired of your routine and you could use a break to rejuvenate your lives, here is a proven recipe for success:
- Rent a San Francisco limousine
We have many different options for you, including stretch limos, hot tub limos, classic cars, antique Rolls-Royce limos and many more. We’re confident that you’ll find the perfect limo for the two of you from our huge fleet of luxury vehicles. - Have us stock your favorite beverages
It’s hard to beat champagne for these getaways, but we will gladly stock and chill your favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for your lovely trip along the coast. - Lay in some provisions
Fruits, cheeses, antipasti trays, chocolates and other finger foods seem to work best for idyllic afternoons like these. It’s usually a good idea to avoid Philly cheesesteaks, monster burritos and other ambitious (and messy) undertakings, but go with your instincts on this one. - Arrange for a couple days off
Taking a couple weekdays off is a very good idea for these excursions. The whole point is to take a break from the everyday, right? Create your own weekend in the middle of the week with one day spent enjoying each other’s company in the back of your San Francisco limo and the other spent strolling around your favorite neighborhoods in our lovely city! - Get ready to be happy
If it has been a while since you did something fun and spontaneous together and you have forgotten why you get up and go to work every morning, rent a limo from us to rediscover why the two of you fell in love in the first place!
Renting a San Francisco limousine and taking a day or two to ride down the coast is a very effective antidote to the blahs. If you need a prescription for this serious but easily treatable condition, call us today at 800-339-8936 to speak with one of our clinicians. It may not be covered by your health insurance, but it is very affordable and has an incredible success rate. Call us at NLS Limo today to find out why we have become the Bay Area’s premier limousine service!
Call 1-800-339-8936 for your free quote
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.