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Julia Cirruzzo-Rosenthal (1960-2019)
It’s with heavy hearts that we share that Julia Cirruzzo-Rosenthal, owner of A Elegant Limousine Service/ELS International, passed away on December 4. She was 58.
Julia and her brother Joseph Jr. grew up in the business as their late father, Joey Cirruzzo, was the founder of the Staten Island-based A Elegant. While her father was the face of the company and an active board member of the NLA and Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (now The Transportation Alliance), Julia was the steady force, often behind the scenes, building a well-respected and award-winning company, especially known within the New York and Florida markets. Recalling their own roots and the trials and tribulations of being a small, local company, the family’s goal was to create a network that offered business almost exclusively to smaller operators--which they called the backbone of the industry—a goal that they achieved. At its core, A Elegant was a family-run business, which also included Julia’s oldest son Michael, who worked in dispatch and took reservations. Always a fixture in the operation, she stepped up full time to run the business after her father passed away in 2013, all while raising her youngest son, Charlie.
She was laid to rest on December 7 and is survived by her beloved sons, Mike and Charlie. Condolences to Julia’s friends and extended family.
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Complete Fleet President Barry Trabb (right) with Kevin Flanagan of Smythe Volvo
Summit, N.J. — Complete Fleet Livery Sales has announced that they have entered into an agreement with Smythe Volvo to distribute the Volvo S90 sedan to chauffeur ground transportation operators.
Complete Fleet President Barry Trabb says the company has partnered with nearby Smythe Volvo in Summit, N.J. They are a well-established family-owned and -run retailer for over 55 years and a seven-time winner of the National Dealer Rater Dealer of the Year award. In addition, Smythe has an award winning service department that is ready to service our livery customers with immediate appointments and fast turn arounds.
“Sedan choices are getting limited for our industry. Not everyone in the industry is going to want to shift to an SUV, so it’s important that we’re able to continue to provide cars to our clients.” says Trabb. “Volvo’s S90 is a natural choice when you look at all it has to offer. So I was looking to connect with a partner who could support the livery community and Volvo Fleet needs for some time. When I met Kevin Flanagan, Smythe Volvo’s dealer principle, I knew I had found a great business and business owner to work with. It was refreshing to know we have the same business philosophy and an understanding that it’s all about relationships and putting the client’s needs first.”
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Trabb says that the S90 has been getting a lot of traction with both his customers and the industry at large. The European fit and finish have appealed to many operators, who are often unaware of the tremendous luxury that the Volvo S90 offers. It is also competitively priced making it a smart decision for any operator.
“I’m very confident in our new relationship, says Trabb. “Smythe Volvo has an unprecedented reputation, and the S90 is a great new product that Complete Fleet is excited to represent. It makes us more diverse and lets us help our clients with their fleet needs. Plus, Smythe is just 5 minutes away from our current location, which makes it easy to operate out of Union NJ location as well
Complete Fleet will continue to carry a full stock of Lincoln and Ford fleet vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and Transit vans.
Visit completefleetsales.com for more information.
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Van Hool’s factory in Belgium
Koningshooikt‚ Belgium — A team of ABC Companies technicians recently visited the Van Hool factory for preliminary training and product knowledge transfer to support the forthcoming Van Hool CX45E All Electric bus release. Together with ABC and Proterra, Van Hool continues to prepare for the innovative new model introduction planned for North American unveiling at UMA Expo 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.
The new Van Hool CX45E combines the Siemens modular ELFA II drivetrain system with Proterra’s industry leading E2 high power, high-density battery system, in conjunction with energy efficient ELFA drive and converter technology to support daily range targets for operators. The vehicle’s zero emissions and quiet battery drive offers a smooth comfortable ride with very low noise levels to enhance the passenger experience like never before.
“Together with our partners Van Hool and Proterra, ABC is leveraging deep expertise to bring advanced electric technology to the motorcoach segment,” said ABC Companies President & COO Roman Cornell. “We are pleased to migrate the benefits and utility of electric vehicle technology enjoyed in the automotive and transit segments to our customer base.”
In 2020, operators can also expect to see enhanced interior designs onboard the CX series (including the new CX45E model) which integrates a restyled passenger entry, cabin, and restroom as well as a fully redesigned driver’s area.
The new Van Hool all electric, zero-emission CX45E will be showcased at next year’s UMA Expo 2020 where ABC and partners will present a complete overview of the project and be on hand to field questions about the innovative new electric model, which offers all the luxury passenger amenities owners expect from the standard Van Hool CX Series equipment.
Visit abc-companies.com for more information.
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