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The high-end Tourismo is Meridian’s newest in a growing number of product offerings on the popular and eco-friendly Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform, designed specifically for tour, charter and limousine operators.
The Tourismo’s standard six-foot interior ceiling height, 24-foot overall length, multiple high-end European-style reclining seating configurations including bench, booth or forward-facing arrangements, individual overhead air controls and reading lights, PA system, LED mood and cabin lighting, wood grain commercial flooring, video system, over-sized ducted air conditioning and heating, integrated backup camera, skylights and more, truly redefines luxury travel in a midsize platform.
Available options normally reserved exclusively for the Tourismo’s behemoth brothers and sisters include mobile Wi-Fi, fire suppression system, infotainment solutions, 110 Volt/USB passenger power outlets, privacy curtains, tire pressure monitoring, even fully-equipped lavatories. In all, over 100 options are available to customize every bus for each operator’s individual tastes and requirements for comfort and safety.
“With best-in-class 11,030-pound GVWR, incredibly smooth, quiet and comfortable ride quality and ultra-efficient and notoriously long-lasting diesel engines, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was our immediate platform choice for the Tourismo midsize tour bus to answer to our charter clients’ ongoing demand for a sub-20 passenger luxury touring coach," says David Ronsen, President and CEO of Meridian Specialty Vehicles. “Tour guests have become accustomed to high-end accommodations and tour operators are expected to provide luxurious buses, regardless of group size. Until now, operators have had few options other than to operate 40-, 50- or even 60-passenger coaches for a 15 passenger group. When calculating associated fuel and maintenance costs, that practice simply doesn’t add up. The Tourismo solves the problem with a very cost-effective, fully-equipped mini tour bus that achieves an astounding 300+ passenger miles per gallon. Operators will love the best-in-class amenities, including our exclusive luggage bay door and storage system and their passengers will love the privacy and panoramic views provided by the Sprinter’s ample, narrow-framed windows and Meridian’s exclusive glass plug door.”
Visit meridiansv.com for more information.
2/14
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Boca Raton, Fla.—The Florida Limousine Association (FLA) Board of Directors announced last week that Rick Versace of A1A Airport & Limousine Service has been named the president of the association. He previously held the position of treasurer.
The officers for 2014 are:
Vice President: Mike Sobol of East Coast Transportation
Treasurer: Bito Pimento of Enova Worldwide Transportation Network
Secretary: Dave Shaw of Olympus Limousine
Directors: Bob Boroday of Associated Limousine Service; Lorraine Celestino Wilde of GO Airport Shuttle & GO Executive Car; Robert Boroday of Prime Network Ground Transportation; Scott Crowe of Executive Ground Logistics; John Finch of Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine; Tony Marino of Regency Executive Service & Transportation and Amondo Sapiro of M & L Limousine
Vendor Director: Rick Fugitt of Gateway Coachworks
Visit floridalimousine.com for more information.
2/14
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Charlotte, N.C.— The Charlotte Regional Limousine Association (CRLA) held its monthly meeting on January 28, and much like other limousine associations, Uber and apps like it are the most pressing of discussion topics.
First and foremost on the CRLA’s agenda was to announce that on Thursday, February 13, the Charlotte City Council will be holding a Safety Committee meeting to address the various concerns that rouge apps raise. CRLA hopes for a large turnout to show support for the black car industry in the Charlotte area, and the association wants to make the committee aware that the livery industry, as a whole, is concerned with safety as well.
The meeting will take place in the Charlotte Government Building, room 280.
CRLA is also trying to combat all of the other rogue apps—also known as transportation network companies (TNCs)—with their Passenger/Vehicle for Hire Board (PVHB) which is managed by the Charlotte Police Department. CRLA and PVHB are attempting to squash all TCNs in the Charlotte area by enforcing the long-standing transportation laws already in place in the state of North Carolina. The final point of interest that was discussed was the penultimate question of what vehicle should replace the Lincoln Town Car in Charlotte area fleets (yes, it’s still an issue). A list of suitable replacements will be presented to the licensing authorities for approval. The list will include all the cars that are currently being shown at the various industry shows and events (e.g., Toyota Avalon, Cadillac XTS, Lincoln MKT, etc.).
Visit mycrla.org for more information.
2/14