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GCLA President David Kinney of API Global Transportation More than 75 attendees came out to support the Greater California Livery Association (GCLA) when it met up in Las Vegas March 14. CD Industry & Brand Ambassador Philip Jagiela was among those present for the evening meeting.
With President David Kinney of API Global Transportation at the helm, the meeting kicked off with a summary of the association’s January Day on the Hill in Sacramento. Kinney also thanked those who participated in the legislative event for their support and encouraged more members to attend in the future.
Amendments to SB-109, a bill pertaining to emergency exits in party-carrying vehicles, were considered a “significant victory” for GCLA and the industry alike, as it changed the financially onerous original mandate of adding a fifth door to one that more realistically required an exit hatch in limousines. Members were reminded that January 1, 2018, is the new date for enforcement for adding pop-out windows or a roof hatch to limousines that required modification.
The meeting’s keynote speakers were Charles and Spencer Tenney of Tenney Group, which specializes in the acquisitions and mergers of transportation companies. The father and son, respectively, discussed the industrywide trends they’ve seen emerge, such as the acceleration of retirements, concerns over regulation, rising interest rates, and high valuations.
The Tenneys went on to emphasize the importance of educating potential buyers. After explaining why having—and being familiar with—a business plan can help tell your story, they covered topics that help owners become better sellers, such as taking a proactive role in the sales process, offering confidentiality protection, and doing credit checks on those who express interest in doing business with you. From a buyer perspective, the two stressed the importance of authentic empathy, humility, and kindness in approaching a deal with a seller who might be coming to the deal reluctantly, and cautioned against walking away from negotiations too soon, as there is a shared risk in virtually every transaction.
In terms of regional news, beginning May 11, all operators dropping off passengers at Los Angeles International Airport will have to ask their passengers which terminal they’re heading to, due to increased congestion during the Delta relocation from terminals 5 and 6 to 2 and 3—the largest airline relocation in LAX history, which will affect 21 airlines. For pickups, GCLA suggests checking with airlines and flightstats.com to ensure passengers are met at the correct terminal. Visit goo.gl/72Wf1Y to learn more about the relocation.
Next up for the GCLA is its May 16 meeting in San Diego. Visit gcla.org for more information. [CD0517]
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Springfield, Mo. — Boutique builder First Class Customs is currently offering a new Executive Class Ford Transit conversion that takes a factory vehicle and transforms it into a high-class van. President/CEO Jay Glick says that this conversion is comparable to other specialty vans in the market but with a significantly lower price tag.
For their Executive Class Ford Transit, First Class Customs uses a well-equipped 15-passenger van and improves on it with a higher level of trim and features. First, First Class removes the installed split-bench seating and covers it with their custom seating kit, and adds dual USB power ports in each row. Then, panels are re-secured and the headliner is re-covered. New flooring is installed, and the existing plastic trim is covered with high-quality vinyl and leather. Moreover, First Class adds electrical upgrades such as LED bulbs and new floor and step lighting. Also standard in the Executive Class Ford Transit is the company’s exclusive cargo net system, which attaches to the seat frames and ceiling brackets.
“We take a customer’s existing chassis and give it an upscale feel from front to back,” says Glick. This is a unique vehicle that has been displayed at the trade shows with a lot of attention. For $15,000 or less, we’re able to do a conversion that gives operators the opportunity to set themselves apart from the crowd.”
Operators who visit the Chauffeur Driven Trade Show in Orlando this October 22-25 will not only have the opportunity to see the Executive Class Ford Transit up close, they may even to get to drive one home. On the last day of the show, CD is giving away a new Ford Transit—graciously donated by Ford and upfitted by First Class Customs—to a lucky operator. And, we’re not talking a one- or two-year lease here; if you win it, you’ll be adding a vehicle to your fleet worth $65,000. Participants will need to download our show app and be present to win, but we know you’ll want to stick around for this rare opportunity. Stay tuned for more details.
Visit firstclasscustomsinc.com for more information.
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Secaucus, N.J. — EmpireCLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services announced that they have added new 56-passenger motorcoaches to their fleet of luxury vehicles in the N.Y. and L.A. markets.
With an emphasis on heightened safety due to updated regulations from the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTA), as well as the inclusion of an abundance of modern conveniences, these motorcoaches offer an incomparable experience for groups traveling to conventions and events. Following the NHTA guidelines set for vehicles produced from November 2016 onward, the new motorcoaches incorporate three-point lap shoulder belts for every passenger.
When the new vehicles were being built, David Seelinger, CEO and chairman of EmpireCLS, also recognized a need for more luxurious motorcoaches in the transportation industry catering to tech-savvy clients. Therefore, he decided to include a variety of amenities for the convenience of his clients such as high-speed WiFi, advanced audiovisual equipment for presentations, 15-inch HD LCD monitors, and both A/C and USB power outlets at every seat. Additionally, the vehicles boast the highest available headroom of any motorcoach, and each seat is outfitted in supple leather trim.
Visit empirecls.com for more information.
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