Cover Art: Bryce Kellerman, owner of Kellerman Specialty Vehicles, proudly displays the company’s Caché (left) and Everest models. The builder listened to the industry’s requests and has been hard at work refining its lineup for a new age of livery
Last February, the industry was introduced to the Kellerman Specialty Vehicles (KSV) lineup in person when the builder made its debut at the CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas. With four converted vehicles built to test market interest on display, attendees were able to kick the proverbial tires and give their honest feedback directly to the team.
“We did our best to research the industry before attending the first CD/NLA Show. We anonymously attended state livery shows, spoke with large and small operators, conducted research with hotels and resorts, and leaned on some industry veterans. We produced a few vehicles, brought them to the show ... then we listened. This is something that we are really good at: we listen, and we respond,” says KSV Owner Bryce Kellerman.
Kellerman (left) with vehicle Designer Shane Leach Kellerman admits that feedback to the initial products was mixed. The builder says that their Executive8 and Executive11 models have had success with Midwest operators and corporate America but weren’t necessarily a good fit for operators who regularly move large groups. The Platinum Limousine has been accepted as a hotel shuttle or family airport option vs. the current crawl-over-one-another SUV models.
But the biggest request from transportation owners was a vehicle for six to eight passengers that could be used for special-event transportation.
“Operators told us that the Sprinter vans were too cavernous, not intimate enough for six to eight passengers,” says KSV Marketing Manager Rachel Kellerman. “We listened, and we’ve responded with new products for operator consideration.”
The Everest features wide doors for easy entry Currently, KSV offers three six-passenger models while currently working on a solution to the eight-passenger request. They’ve enlisted the help of industry vehicle-design expert Shane Leach, who previously worked with O’Gara Hess & Eisenhardt and has assisted Cadillac on presidential and secret service vehicles—including the highly secure “Beast” for the president of the United States.
“Shane’s expertise is so valuable to the development of an eight-passenger vehicle. He understands the FMVSS requirements, NHTSA regulations, passenger safety issues, crash testing, the list goes on,” says Kellerman. “Between Shane’s knowledge, our 40-year family history of coachbuilding, and my dad’s and my racing careers, we know a thing or two about cars ... and we’re putting it all to practice in our product development.”
Now, KSV is ready to debut its newly tweaked and refined roster, which includes two variations of the large SUV-based limousine (Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade) and a six-passenger limousine built on the midsize Cadillac XT6. The vehicles will be on display at next month’s CD/NLA Show in Dallas.
Interior of Kellerman Specialty Vehicles’ Everest model with (L to R): KSV Dealer Tony Mazzarella of American Limousine, KSV Office Manager Marissa Jenike, and KSV Service and Warranty Manager Brian McCarthy If you’re craving an elegant yet classic limousine-inspired conversion, the Caché is stretched 39 inches, has a raised roof for additional headroom, and has a flat floor with two Cadillac bench seats for six-passenger comfort in the rear. Bench seats face one another with a removable cocktail table between them. It maintains the XT6’s original hatchback with nearly 13 cubic feet of cargo space, while phone charging ports and a privacy divider round out this beauty.
The Chevrolet Paradigm SUV-limousine will be equipped for passengers to travel in efficient comfort. The Cadillac Everest SUV-limousine is augmented with additional Cadillac-style comfort features. Both models are stretched 48” in the rear to allow for up to six passengers to relax in comfort without sacrificing abundant luggage space (more than 72 cubic feet). Running boards that extend the entire length of the vehicle make it easy for passengers to enter and exit from all seating positions. Special touches include custom-built door panels that are equipped with ice buckets and drink holders.
The Caché interior The larger SUVs also have a variety of options, including lighted headliner, AWD chassis, heated/cooled front seats, TV-mounted in rear, and a custom high-end sound system. Additionally, optional seating configurations allow for four rear-seat passengers in four custom captain’s chairs, five rear-seat passengers in two captain’s chairs and one bench seat, or six rear-seat passengers on two bench seats.
If you’re sensing a theme here, you’re not wrong. KSV’s vehicles are a nod to throwback styling with a modern twist—on purpose. The builder aims to cut through the prevailing industry trends of the past decade or so with unique offerings that blend old-school charm and modern sensibility. And this vision is coming from 24-year-old Bryce Kellerman, who is at the helm of the division.
Kellerman at 10 in his family’s facility “We came into the industry hoping to disrupt the paradigm, to offer products that would differentiate one fleet from the next, and to provide products that diversify fleet offerings. My generation wants something new; we grew up with buses and Sprinter vans for parties and prom, but we want something different when we travel,” he says.
Kellerman’s pedigree runs deep in the industry, and he has dreamed of creating a new type of vehicle since the age of 10, when he started working with his dad, Joe. Armed with a mechanical engineering degree and a passion for chauffeured transportation, he adds that he is excited to make his mark and earn the respect of the operators who have taken their time to talk, teach, and instill him with confidence.
Kellerman’s father, Joe, is a national NASA race champion and owner of Platinum Coach Rounding out the KSV lineup are the Executive8, an 8” stretch on the Cadillac XT5 offering additional entry/egress and legroom for two or three rear-seat passengers; the Executive11, an 11” stretch on the Cadillac XT6 with two captain’s chairs for luxury-level travel for two executives or a couple out for a special evening; and the six rear-seat passenger Platinum Limousine with forward-facing seats that are tailored for airport pickups or hotel shuttles.
Kellerman Specialty Vehicles is certified as a Cadillac Master Coachbuilder and backs all their conversions with warranty coverage that matches General Motors’ bumper-to-bumper warranties.
“You asked us for six-passenger options, and we delivered. Come see us in Booth #250 in Dallas. Our dealers are ready for your orders. We’re very anxious to meet your needs and help you differentiate your fleet,” he says. [CD0925]
