- Details
- Category: Industry News
Chauffeur Driven and the National Limousine Association were pleased to welcome members of the KLAS Channel 8 news team to the annual CD/NLA Show on Sunday, February 23. The CBS Las Vegas affiliate was invited by CD’s West Coast Editor David Hartson to attend the Association Summit, which spotlighted the problem of unlicensed rideshare drivers around the country.
Prior to the Summit, several representatives of the NLA were interviewed on-air by reporter Madison Kimbro about the importance of riding with licensed and insured operators.
“What’s happening now with these illegal operators is that they are gaining traction because of Facebook groups and Instagram. They are running underground operations. No insurance, no licensing, no background checks, no drug testing,” said NLA Director Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide.
“You don’t want to put your family in a vehicle that isn’t properly insured and if you don’t have ‘commercial’ or ‘for hire’ insurance, the driver and passenger won’t get any coverage, and the insurance company can legally deny the claim,” said NLA 2nd Vice President Douglas Schwartz of Executive Ground Transportation.
At each CD/NLA Show, the Association Summit welcomes state and local association leaders together to discuss important issues facing the industry. This year, Long Island Limousine Association (LILA) President Tom Gouldsbury of Azure Limousines delineated his organization’s efforts to make legislators and officials aware of the issue of illegal operators. He was joined by Anthony Manetta, founder & president of the Standard Advisory Group, LILA’s public relations firm.
To view the full news segment, click here.
[03.04.25]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
L to R: Chauffeur of the Year winners Jochen Mayer of SOKA-BAU, Ralf Zoberbier, and Sebastian Betz of globalmobility and FraPort
On January 31, the Federal Association of Chauffeur and Rental Car Operators in Germany (BCMD) held their eighth annual summit at Rodizio Flughafen Egelsbach near Frankfurt. The BCMD serves as a powerful voice for the chauffeur and rental car industry in Germany. With more than 100 members, the organization is dedicated to improving the legal and economic framework for businesses in this sector.
The BCMD Summit welcomed members and guests to Rodizio Flughafen Egelsbach near Frankfurt
A highlight of BCMD’s work is the annual BCMD Forum, where industry leaders, policymakers, and experts come together to discuss current challenges and future developments. Topics discussed at the summit included a small technical knowledge test for drivers in commercial passenger transport followed by a panel discussion, a panel discussion with a specialist lawyer in administrative law, a presentation and discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of alternative fuel (hydrogen, electric, hybrid) with representatives from Toyota and Volkswagen, and award for the 2024 Chauffeur of the Year.
The winners of the prestigious award are:
- 1st place: Ralf Zoberbier, a self-employed entrepreneur for 13 years
- 2nd place: Jochen Mayer of SOKA-BAU
- 3rd place: Sebastian Betz of globalmobility and FraPort
The BCMD summit organizers would like to thank all exhibitors and sponsors, including EUROPCAR, 2S LimouSolution, MPC, ALLIANZ Insurance, Toyota, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Rodizio Flughafen Egelsbach
The next BCMD Forum will take place on January 30, 2026, in Hamburg.
The BCMD was founded as an interest group for limousine and transport services. Key objectives of the organization include:
- Political advocacy: Active participation in legislative initiatives at both state and federal levels through official statements and direct engagement with policymakers.
- Member Support: Assistance with applications, hearings, and approval procedures, as well as representation in matters involving health insurance providers, trade associations, and other institutions.
- Public Relations: Strong presence in the press, radio, television, and digital media to effectively communicate the industry's concerns
- Information & Education: Providing up-to-date insights on industry-relevant policies and organizing training programs, professional certification courses, and safety workshops.
Through these initiatives, the BCMD is committed to establishing clear legal frameworks and fair competition conditions within the industry, ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for its members.
Visit bcmd.de for more information.
[02.28.25]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Santa Fe Valet/ACCENT New Mexico, one of New Mexico’s largest livery companies, proudly announces its acquisition of Carey Limousine of Albuquerque. This strategic purchase, finalized in 2023, marks a significant milestone in Santa Fe Valet/ACCENT New Mexico’s growth and expansion throughout the state. The announcement was delayed until recently, in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Founded in 2007, Santa Fe Valet/ACCENT New Mexico has steadily grown to become a leader in the area. According to a press release from the company, this acquisition reflects their commitment to meeting increasing demand for premium livery services in Albuquerque, a region that has long been integral to Santa Fe Valet/ACCENT New Mexico’s operations. Prior to the acquisition, more than 60 percent of the company’s trips originated or terminated in Albuquerque, making the expansion a natural progression.
Santa Fe Valet/ACCENT Owner Paul Thompson
Carey Limousine of Albuquerque has been a trusted name in the industry since 1982, offering decades of exceptional service to its clients. The former owners, who retired in 2023, left behind a legacy of excellence that aligns seamlessly with Santa Fe Valet/ACCENT New Mexico’s mission to provide superior transportation experiences, according to the press release.
“This acquisition represents a new chapter for Santa Fe Valet/ACCENT New Mexico” said Owner Paul Thompson. “We’re honored to continue the legacy of Carey Limousine of Albuquerque and are committed to maintaining the high standards of service that clients have come to expect while expanding our offerings to meet growing demand.”
The company has integrated the operations of Carey Limousine into its existing infrastructure, enhancing efficiency and expanding its fleet to better serve clients across the state. They currently offer motorcoaches, mini coaches, sedans, and more.
Visit accentnewmexico.com for more information.
[02.27.25]