- Details
- Category: Industry News
INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing recently unveiled its redesigned next generation vehicle that has become a symbol of luxury over the last two decades: the armored Cadillac Escalade. Fortified with INKAS innovative protective solutions and certified armored materials, this iconic vehicle becomes a fortress on wheels.
INKAS is a leading Canadian-based company that specializes in the design and production of a wide range of armored vehicles, including executive SUVs, luxury sedans, special purpose military vehicles, personnel carriers, cash-in-transit vehicles, and more. Since 2000, INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing has been providing armored vehicles for banks, law enforcement agencies, corporate clients, and individuals all over the world.
Under the hood, this armored Cadillac Escalade features a powerful 6.2-liter V-8 engine producing 420 hp coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and is available in standard RWD and 4WD options. For more controlled ride handling, a 3.0L turbodiesel engine can be added upon request. With the optimized independent rear suspension, this vehicle guarantees a smooth ride and provides the utmost comfort and luxury to its occupants.
This full-size luxury SUV boasts its symbolic front end, horizontal headlights, and stylish vertical taillights that span from bumper to roof. With an extended wheelbase, the armored Cadillac Escalade provides a spacious interior layout that comes fully equipped with high-end technology that enhances the driving experience. INKAS raises the bar with key features that include a massive 38-inch OLED screen stretched across the dash, and exquisite seating wrapped in premium leather and offering heating and massage functionality.
The armored Cadillac Escalade comes with hands-free Super Cruise, extended driver-assist features, digital rear-view mirror, adaptive cruise control, ambient lighting, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, lane keep assistance, and more. This vehicle brings spaciousness and functionality, and includes an advanced entertainment system with a 36-speaker sound system compatible with Apple and Android. Individuals can even choose from a variety of high-quality upholstery and decorative elements to match their personal style.
The INKAS Armored Cadillac Escalade is precision-built to exacting standards with innovative, light-weight ballistic armor, covering the vehicle with full, all-around protection. The armoring technologies ensure the vehicle is secured to the ballistic protection level of CEN 1063 BR6, while maintaining the vehicle’s original features. INKAS has implemented its new proprietary armored overlap system, which offers protection for door seals by ensuring no bullets can penetrate them. Additional protective upgrades include sirens and PA systems, LED strobe lights, a blackout package, engine bay fire suppression system, door-assist mechanism to counteract the weight of armored doors, and much more.
The new INKAS Armored Cadillac Escalade is now available for worldwide delivery to all major seaports, as well as airfreight upon special request. A video of the vehicle can be viewed here.
Visit inkas.ca for more information.
[06.08.21]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
In-person meetings are back, baby! To say that it’s been a long year is an understatement, but as the pandemic seems to be on the decline, and operators are on the rebound, it’s safe to say that we’re finally on the road to recovery. And nothing represents a return to the norm than the upcoming CD/NLA Show held October 10-13 at the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center just outside of Dallas.
That’s right, folks, the show is a GO! And we couldn’t be more excited. The industry is stoked to start networking again, and thanks to widespread vaccinations and lower COVID numbers, we’re thrilled to make it a reality. Over the past few months, we’ve been getting feedback from the industry, and at long last it seems that the time is right for our industry to get together once more. Special thanks to our Title Sponsor, Ford-Lincoln Limousine & Livery Vehicles, for stepping up and help make the show a reality.
Chauffeur Driven and the National Limousine Association are excited to bring our Show, for the first time ever, to the Lone Star State at the all-under-one-roof Gaylord Texan—located close to downtown Dallas and just minutes from DFW Airport. Once again, you can count on the convenience of having all of our show content—from sessions, to show floor, to nightlife—in one easy-to-navigate central location. As they say, everything’s bigger in Texas, and the Gaylord Texan is no different. Located on the shores of Lake Grapevine with 4.5 acres of peaceful indoor gardens, the venue is home to several world-class restaurants and bars, and even a 10-acre outdoor waterpark. Take a virtual tour of the property here.
While the Gaylord Texan offers our attendees luxury and comfort away from home, the true mission of the CD/NLA Show is to provide you with as much guidance, advice, and support as we can to help you rebound and thrive, particularly in the uncharted waters we are facing. Over the past months, the CD/NLA Show Education Committee has been meticulously assembling a program of sessions, workshops and speakers that will address the ever-changing post-COVID industry and economy. Topics will include finding and retaining chauffeurs and other employees, lessons learned from the pandemic, running leaner operations, changing/updating company culture, managing remote staff, as well as education focusing on the always relevant areas of insurance, financing, mergers & acquisitions, and generating sales.
“For what we have just endured the past 14 months, we are long overdue to raise our glasses, toast, and congratulate ourselves for a job well done—we made it! And what better time and place than the CD/NLA Show in Dallas,” says Show Education Committee Co-chair Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus. “I am tired of the Zooms and virtual hugs (though, I will still accept them), and am so looking forward to collaborating and learning from everyone. No doubt, the landscape of our industry is going to be different.”
Don’t worry, while we address that new landscape, you can count on many of the returning show favorites that our attendees expect and anticipate. We’re looking forward to bringing perennial favorites like our Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum and Operator Mentoring Program to Texas. And of course, you can anticipate a bustling show floor, which will offer you an array of vendors, education, and face-time with your peers. You can also bet that we’re also making plans for some fun nightlife events that will keep the networking going after the business of the show is done for the day.
“We couldn’t be more pumped to once again be planning a show for everyone,” says CD President Chris Weiss. “Not only do we speak with dozens of operators and suppliers a week, but I also had the good fortune of attending numerous industry events over the past couple of months, and there is definitely a tremendous amount of positive energy surrounding our fall show. People are thrilled it’s happening and, to put it mildly, they are hankering to see each other in person again. This event is going to be legendary and one for the ages. We can’t wait to see our friends and colleagues from around the world.”
Visit CDNLAshow.com for updates on registration and show information.
[06.02.21]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Updated: 7/11/21
The October 2018 Schoharie limousine accident that claimed the lives of 17 passengers, the chauffeur, and two pedestrians is having lingering effects for the industry. Although lawsuits are still pending, the crash was largely attributed to abysmal maintenance of the 2001 Lincoln Excursion stretch, as well as a number of other safety and regulatory violations. More stringent regulations have already been passed in the state of New York, where the crash took place.
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, Representative Paul Tonko of New York’s 20th District, and Representative Antonio Delgado, detailing proposed limousine safety regulations
Two nearly identical bills have been introduced in the House and Senate that are aimed at passenger safety on a federal level and “closing loopholes in federal safety regulations,” according to a press release from the office of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). The Senate bill was first introduced in 2019 on the first anniversary of the crash and had bipartisan support, although final language did not pass. Congressman Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.-20) has been leading the charge on the House side with H.R.2956.
“For too long, the families of those souls lost in the deadly Schoharie limo crash have shouldered the burdens of grief and responsibility without federal resolution,” said Congressman Tonko in a press release. “From the very first day when we gathered around them to share in their grief, these families found the strength to speak out and turn personal tragedy into a fierce and inspiring drive for reform. And from that first day, their wisdom and guidance have defined my work on this bipartisan national limousine safety package. As we turn the corner on this pandemic and seek a return to many of life’s celebrations, Americans should be able to trust the limousine carrying their loved ones is safe. That isn’t the reality today. Congress needs to advance our limousine safety reform legislation immediately so no family has to suffer this kind of preventable tragedy again.”
The Senate bill, S.1529, was reintroduced by Schumer in the Senate’s Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in early May and was co-sponsored by fellow N.Y. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Schumer has actually been championing three pieces of legislation that pertain to our industry: the Safety, Accountability, and Federal Enforcement of Limos Act (SAFE Limos Act), the Take Unsafe Limos Off the Road Act, and the End the Limo Loophole Act.
“This legislation would set a full suite of federal stretch limousine safety rules, from seat strength requirements to aftermarket alteration rules and so much more, close loopholes that bypass safety standards for commercial vehicles, and take unsafe vehicles that never should’ve been there in the first place off our roads. As Majority Leader, I will not rest until limo safety is prioritized, ensuring the lives lost in Schoharie are not in vain and our roads are forever safer,” said Senator Schumer in a press release.
Senator Gillibrand echoed Schumer’s sentiments. “Deadly limousine crashes in New York State have revealed gaping holes in the nation’s road safety rules and Congress must act to set adequate safety regulations that will save lives,” she said. “This limo safety legislation would enact comprehensive guidelines to improve safety in the limousine industry and hold companies accountable for unsafe limo modifications. I will keep pushing alongside my colleagues to finally pass this legislation that creates new safety standards for limousines based on recommendations from the NTSB and helps get dangerous vehicles off the road.”
Additionally, the N.Y. Senators have been championing two other bills that pertain to our industry: the Take Unsafe Limos Off the Road Act (S.1531) and the End the Limo Loophole Act (S.1533), although there has been no action since May.
Among the core components of the proposed legislation:
The SAFE Limos Act
- Requires that limousines have safety belts for every designated seating position and adhere to federal standards for seats and seat assemblies
- Closes the loophole that currently allows used vehicles to be converted into limousines without meeting federal safety standards
- Requires limousine manufacturers to submit “vehicle modifier plans” detailing how they will comply with strict federal standards
- Directs research into side impact protection, roof crush resistance, and air bag systems for protection of occupants based on various seating configurations
- Requires NHTSA to conduct research and issue standards that can aid egress and regress in the event that a primary exit from the limousine’s passenger compartment is blocked
- Requires limousine operators to prominently display last inspection dates, results, and correctives
- Proposes that event data recorders be installed in all new limousines (Senate bill)
The Take Unsafe Limos Off the Road Act
- Incentivizes states to strengthen policies to impound or immobilize unsafe limousines to be eligible for federal funds
The End the Limo Loophole Act (H.R. 2958)
- Updates the definition of “Commercial Motor Vehicle” to include vehicles modified to seat 9 or more people
Parts of these proposed bills may be included in the wide-sweeping infrastructure bills (the House bill, H.R.3684, passed in early July while the Senate bill, S.2016, was still being deliberated at press time). The National Limousine Association was able to fend off a proposed change to the Senate’s bill that would have imposed a federal CDL requirement on all 9+ passenger vehicles (including the driver).
Chauffeur Driven will keep you updated as more information becomes available. For up-to-the-minute status on the bills, sign up for alerts for H.R.2956 and S.1529 at congress.gov.
[06.01.21]