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Interior of Grech’s flagship EG40
When Grech Motors announced that their EG40 coach would be available this summer, AJL International Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation President Matthew Johnston was among the first Grech customers to place an order. With production now in full swing, the first two EG40 models—the manufacturer’s new flagship—have officially been delivered to the Dallas-based operator.
To mark the occasion, Grech President & CEO Ed Grech was personally on hand in Texas to deliver the new units to Johnston, who has been a Grech customer for more than a decade.
"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Matthew Johnston for his many years of loyalty and support as a valued customer and advocate of Grech Motors,” says Grech. “Your dedication to excellence and your trust in our vehicles have been instrumental in our journey. We are thrilled to deliver the first EG40 Freightliner to AJL International, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership for many more years to come."
Founded in the 1990s and run by Johnston and his brother, Director of Operations Michael Johnston, AJL’s fleet has grown to nearly 85 vehicles, 22 of which are buses. The company relocated to a 42,000-square-foot building on several acres near the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in 2020.
Grech Motors CEO & President Ed Grech (left) with AJL International President Matthew Johnston and his new EG40
The EG40, which was recently featured in the June 2024 issue of Chauffeur Driven, is known for its large, heated stainless-steel underbelly luggage bays that are controlled by a pneumatic mechanism. Additionally, the EG40 boasts frameless windows, overhead luggage racks, power outlets in every row, and Grech’s signature leather seating for up to 44 passengers.
“I express my sincere thanks to Ed Grech for his years of partnership and for consistently delivering exceptional quality in Grech Motors' products. Your commitment to excellence has greatly contributed to the success of AJL International. We are excited to add the EG40 Freightliner to our fleet, Grech Motors is the best choice for our fleet. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and mutual success,” says Johnston.
Johnston says he has plans to order additional buses as early as Q1 2025.
The new EG40 model is also expected to be on display at the CD/NLA Show this October 13-16 at the Gaylord National in National Harbor, Maryland.
Visit ajlinternational.com and grechmotors.com for more information.
[08.13.24]
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- Category: Industry News
NELA’s Topgolf networking event attracted operators from throughout the region
On Tuesday, July 30, the New England Livery Association (NELA) held a networking event at the Topgolf in Canton, Mass., that attracted operators from across the region. The association occupied the third floor of the facility where friends old and new had dinner, discussed the industry, and swung a few clubs. This was the first time the NELA chose to host a networking event at such a venue.
NELA President Brett Barenholtz takes a swing
“Unlike our usual quarterly meetings, which feel like an extension of work, this was just more informal and more fun,” said NELA Treasurer Terry Murtaugh of United Private Car.
The event was the brainchild of NELA President (and current NLA President) Brett Barenholtz of Above All Transportation/Boston Car, while the plan was executed by Committee Members Alicia Hayes of American Classic Limousine, Brittni Kirk of All Points Limousine, NELA Past President Larry White of Above All/Maine Limousine, Keith Ali of Dav El/BostonCoach, Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine, and Jim King of Waverley Insurance.
L to R: Larry White of Above All Transportation/Maine Limousine Service, Katya Portnaya of Boston Carriage, Jim King of Waverly Insurance, Brittni Kirk of All Points Limousine, Terry Murtaugh of United Private Car, Alicia Hayes of American Classic Limousine, Rick Szilagyi of Lexian Management, Brett Barenholtz of Above All Transportation/Boston Car/ETS International/Maine Limousine Service, Pat Enxing of Pat’s Car Service, Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine, Andrew Tighe of RMA Worldwide, Denis Sema of Prestige Livery, Steve Crispo of Research Underwriters, and Keith Ali of Dav El/BostonCoach
In addition to several golf bays set up with conversational seating and a driving platform, the event’s layout included a dining room right next to the golf area, where dinner was served. NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi of Lexian Management introduced the new Board of Directors, and Barenholtz thanked event sponsors before giving brief NELA and NLA updates.
The 2025 NELA Board of Directors:
- President: Brett Barenholtz of Above All Transportation/Boston Car
- Vice President: Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine
- Treasurer: Terry Murtaugh of United Private Car
- Secretary: Brittni Kirk of All Points Limousine
- Past President: Larry White of Above All Transportation/Maine Limousine Service
- Executive Director: Rick Szilagyi of Lexian Management
- Operator Directors: Keith Ali of Dav El/BostonCoach, Alicia Hayes of American Classic Limousine, Andrew Tighe of RMA Worldwide, Charles Wisniewski of Teddy’s Transportation, Pat Enxing of Pat’s Car Service, Katya Portnaya of Boston Carriage, and Denis Sema of Prestige Livery
- Vendor Directors: Steve Crispo of Research Underwriters, Jim King of Waverly Insurance, and Jay Pearson of eBizCharge
- Advisory Directors: Richard Tessier of Great Bay Limousine, Tami Saccoccio of Commonwealth Worldwide, Chris Weiss of Chauffeur Driven, and Anthony Renzi of Drive The People
NELA President Brett Barenholtz of Above All Transportation/Boston Car/ETS International/Maine Limousine Service addresses the membership
The event’s Gold Sponsors were Above All Transportation, Grech Motors, Maine Limousine Service, and the Silver Sponsors were Complete Fleet, Freedom Assets, My Limousine Service, Park Avenue Limousine, and Pat’s Car Service. Waverley Insurance provided one of the raffle prizes, two Red Sox tickets.
To follow up the networking event, NELA held a webinar on Tuesday, August 13, to introduce the 2025 Board of Directors to those who couldn’t make the networking event and state their goals for the coming year. Topics discussed included increasing membership as well as expanding successful association events like the annual Golf Fundraiser and Chauffeur Appreciation Day.
Szilagyi stated that the Board of Directors continues to “strive and improve” while they are looking forward to a great 2025. He also informed the online attendees that they are currently updating the NELA website so it can be used as a resource for members and area operators.
Barenholtz then took the time to thank the Board of Directors for stepping up and taking action despite having busy schedules.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
[08.13.24]
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- Category: Industry News
Umut Aslan
Industry veteran Umut Aslan, currently a doctorate student at Alliant International University and former chief marketing officer for MIB Transportation, is looking for participants in his research study called The Factors That Contribute to the Success and Growth of Companies in the Limo and Bus Sector.
To participate in this study, operators must have a privately owned transportation company (limo and bus company) established in the United States and have been in business for 10 years or more. Furthermore, the business must have started with one or two vehicles, growing to 10 or more vehicles within 10 years. All the information provided as part of this study is confidential and will not be used for any other purpose outside of this study.
To take part in the study, or learn more about the project, please contact Aslan at uaslan@alliant.edu or call 619.723.8104.
[08.13.24]