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- Category: Industry News
ABC Companies, the exclusive US distributor of Van Hool buses, shared a recent announcement from Van Hool about the bus manufacturer’s recovery plan, which includes a shift away from its Koningshooikt manufacturing site. Van Hool, whose biggest markets are North America and Europe, cites COVID, high energy prices, and worldwide inflation for its continued financial challenges.
In ABC’s announcement, it was confirmed that Van Hool would focus on growing its manufacturing capabilities at its Macedonia facility, which has supplied vehicles to the US and Canada for the past decade. ABC says that North American customers should not be impacted by the restructuring.
“ABC Companies and the Cornell family fully support this decision and will be working closely with the leadership at Van Hool to ensure a seamless transition. While production for global markets will be shifting to the Macedonia facility, many key operations will remain at the Koningshooikt location. We are confident this restructuring will further enhance Van Hool’s capabilities and service to their global markets. We look forward to our continued partnership with Van Hool and a truly bright future” said ABC Companies CEO Roman Cornell.
Van Hool noted in its own announcement that production of buses and coaches would mainly take place at the plant in Skopje, northern Macedonia. In Koningshooikt, the IV (Industrial Vehicles) division would focus on semi-trailers requiring a higher degree of expertise and offering higher added value for the customer as well as for Van Hool. The B&C (Bus & Coach) division would keep its knowledge center, research & development, prototype building and after-sales in Koningshooikt.
Visit abc-companies.com for more information.
[03.19.24]
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- Category: Industry News
Victor Dizengoff, a trailblazer in the New York black car industry for decades, passed away peacefully on March 13. He was 86.
As a young man, he honorably served in the United States Army for three years as a Korean War veteran, and later went on to earn a master’s in economics from Brooklyn College, which laid the foundation for his career.
After earning his stripes as a taxi driver, his visionary mindset led him to entrepreneurship as the founder of Vital Two-Way Radio, a notable black car service in New York now known as Vital Transportation with a fleet of 300 vehicles.
Victor’s impact on the industry is still felt today. His leadership in the Black Car Assistance Corporation (BCAC) for 34 years was instrumental in bringing the industry together as an advocate for drivers' rights. BCAC was founded in 1991 to help unify the industry in supporting legislation that retained independent contractor status, a model that overwhelmingly dominated the black car industry. Among the organization’s monumental achievements was the groundbreaking establishment of the Black Car Fund, created by the state of New York for drivers associated with bases in NYC to provide workers’ compensation insurance—with more benefits added each year such as driver training. Victor served as the executive director of the Black Car Fund for 12 years and is now managed by Ira Goldstein. He was a longtime member and indefatigable advocate for the industry through the Taxi, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA)—now called The Transportation Alliance—of which he served as president in 2009.
He is also remembered as the publisher and editor of Black Car News, a vital publication dedicated to keeping NYC’s for-hire industry well informed. The publication, which he took over in 1991, has been managed by Neil Weiss since 2005.
Victor found joy in his hobbies, which included following New York sports teams, traveling, and savoring the melodies of jazz and big band music. His greatest pleasure, however, was his beloved family. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandy, and his many children and grandchildren.
He was laid to rest on March 17 at the New Montefiore Cemetery in West Babylon, N.Y. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that donations be made to United Jewish Appeal (UJA) in Victor’s memory.
Chauffeur Driven extends our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Victor. Look for a tribute to Victor in the April issue of Chauffeur Driven.
[03.19.24]
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- Category: Industry News
You asked for it and we listened. In this column, we ask operators of all sizes and from all walks of the industry a question about their business and report their answers so you can assess how your own company compares to your peers. If you would like to participate, please email Rob Smentek at rob@chauffeurdriven.com for next issue’s question.
TOPIC: Do you find yourself undercut by your competitors and how do you handle it?
Lorenzo Armani, President & CEO
Absolute Styling Limousine/Travel in Style in Vancouver, B.C.
Deanna Ballard, Director, National Accounts & Affiliate Relations
Signature Transportation Services in Nashville, Tenn.
Bryan Beale, General Manager
A&A Limousine Service in Northampton, Pa.
Nick Boccio, General Manager
Buffalo Limousine in Buffalo, N.Y.
Eran Brill, General Manager
Superb Limousine in Tel-Aviv, Israel
Willie Cook, VP of Operations
DTS Worldwide Transportation & ZBest Worldwide Transportation in Burtonsville, Md.
Martin Cox, CEO
Gerrard Cards in London, U.K.
In addressing the issue of being undercut by competitors, leveraging technology and AI can be a game-changer.
- Utilize AI for efficiency: Implement AI-driven solutions for route optimization, fleet management, and predictive maintenance.
- Enhanced customer experience: Leverage AI-powered chatbots and customer service platforms to provide personalized assistance, streamline booking processes, and promptly address client inquiries or concerns.
- Dynamic pricing strategies: Employ AI algorithms to analyze market trends, competitor pricing, and customer demand patterns. This data-driven approach enables operators to adjust pricing dynamically, ensuring competitiveness while maintaining profitability.
- Invest in training and development: Offer comprehensive training programs to chauffeurs, focusing on professionalism, customer service skills, and technological proficiency. Well-trained staff can deliver superior service, setting your business apart from competitors.
- Focus on value proposition: Emphasize the unique value propositions of your service, such as luxury amenities, safety features, and reliability. Communicate these benefits clearly to clients to justify premium pricing and differentiate your offering in the market.
Alex Darbahani, Founder/CEO
KLS Worldwide in Los Angeles, Calif.
Be proud of your rates: Have talking points as to why you are more expensive. Explain why you are better and that your higher price reflects all that you do to ensure timely, safe, and professional service. If clients leave, let them, and wish them well. They will be back—I promise you.
Eric Devlin, President/Owner
Premier Transportation in Dallas, Texas
Harry Dhillon, President
Ecko Worldwide Transportation in Santa Clara, Calif.
We feel that our cost structure is our own and our goal is to reduce that cost structure wherever possible so that we can remain competitive. At the same time, we are committed to late-model equipment, well-paid employees, and a robust maintenance and technology platform. Those factors also help drive rates, regardless of competitor offerings.
Sean Duval, President & CEO
Golden Limousine International in Milan, Mich.
We communicate with our clients openly and honestly about our pricing structure and how it reflects the value they receive. We believe it is crucial to continuously benchmark our prices and practices against industry standards to back up this conversation and the value we offer without impact on the delivery of exceptional service. We study market trends, pricing strategies, and customer preferences to ensure our offering meets ever-changing client needs and requirements.
Raymond Gallagher, SVP, Sales & Marketing
RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation in Princeton, N.J.
Edward Ghebreal, Owner
Directway in Brussels, Belgium
Frank Jablonski, Owner
Lux Transport in Cleveland, Ohio
Len Joseph, President
On The Town Limousines, Frederick, Md.
Mark Kini, President
Boston Chauffeur in Beverly, Mass
Stefan Kisiov, Managing Partner
K&G Coach Line in Park Ridge, Ill.
Gary McKeon, COO
Joshua's Worldwide Transportation in Gales Ferry, Conn.
Robert Rodríguez, President/CEO
First Class Destination Solutions in Carolina, Puerto Rico
Jess Sandhu, Director of Operations
A&A Limousine & Bus Service in Kenmore Wash.
Quentin Shackelford, Owner
AllClassLimo.com in Wichita, Kan.
Scott Woodruff, President
Majestic Limousine & Coach in Des Moines, Iowa
We’ve loved hearing your answers to our benchmarking questions—but we always welcome suggestions for future topics, too!
Send an email to rob@chauffeurdriven.com you just might see your query answered in our next e-News.
[03.08.24]