Chauffeurs Blog

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Does Nokia move pave way for car that drives itself?
2007-10-08 14:13:00
I've wanted a car that drives itself ever since I first watched Knightrider. What child of the 1980s didn't grow up hoping that by the time they turned 17 a real-life version of K.I.T.T. would be on the market. Well, this weekend I turn 30 and that hope is still not a reality some 13 years later.But, there could be a glimmer of hope on the techno-horizon with the announcement on Friday that Nokia is teaming up with Renault to co-brand the firm's Twingo cars and pack them with a Nokia navigation system and handsfree equipment.Sure, it doesn't mean the vehicle will take you for a ride but I reckon this is the first shoots of what we've all been dreaming of. Sales of in-car satellite-navigation whether built-in or via portable devices from the likes of Garmin and TomTom have exploded in the past couple of years. Prices have gone through the floor and they have become far more affordable. Pairing that up to a motor so it can actually turn the wheels and tell it where...
More About: Move

Online world of transport facilities
2007-10-08 13:18:00
Hiring a chauffeur, cab or other transport facilities can be tiring job if you do not have the access to internet these days. Though mobile facilities are convenient, yet they have no match for the web facilities. It is a much faster and secured way of ordering for any of the above services.The services of chauffeur and limo are really significant in case of making cherished moments of our lives into memorable ones. You can start of the day that you are going to spend with your loved one in a nice limo driven by a nice chauffeur. Trust me it makes a difference as the atmosphere inside a limo is completely distinct from the outside world. You can have wonderful conversation and even can celebrate your special occasion inside of the limo with your friends as it has the enough room to accommodate your friends.For professionals too, a taxi or a limo services are beneficial as they can move to different locations without any trouble. Apart from that these services are available to them f...
More About: World , Transport , Online , Tran , Facilities

Corporate limo: a convenient method for carrying out a business deal
2007-10-08 09:08:00
I saw this article in a mag the other day not sure about the prices well I suppose if your driving a stretched Rolls or Maybach! Corporate limo is an excellent option to go for when you are visiting another city for taking out your financial deals. Most cities are now showered with agencies that provide limo renting services to corporate houses. The convenience level in a rented limo for an individual is more than the other mode of transportation available in the city. From the comfort of seating the officials are treated with different benefits that make them yearn for renting limo over other cars while going to other cities for official purposes. The foremost advantage that is lucrative for them is the space in the limo. These stretched cars have enough space for acquiring number of people inside it. Thus, they can avoid investing for more than a car when they send a team to work out a problem with their clients.This limo even provides you with a calm atmosphere that is required b...
More About: Business , Deal , Limo , Carrying

Can't be true or can it!
2007-10-07 13:55:00
Germans: Maybach, Nein!Jalopnik reports: Maybach: The End Is Nigh. Of course the car is going to disappear,it's filled with luxury but boring as all hell. It's also a car meant for chauffeurs, not drivers. If folks want to drive a fancy sedan themselves they'll go get a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. They will not buy themselves limousine. Besides, the sorta people who did that kind of stuff now pretend to be regular people, but horde their money and run for office (to get more money).And, hell, it's not like anyone predicted this would happen (Get it? See? We're trying to tell you that we predicted this almost two years ago!) Maybach: Maybach? It's a small luxury division of Mercedes-Benz. Anyway, they aren't selling as many cars and we wouldn't be surprised to hear discussions start about closing the division. You can read the rest of the stuff we made up in our 2006 auto predictions.
More About: True

Road ban set to be lifted for private hire taxis
2007-10-07 10:43:00
CARDIFF council is about to allow private hire taxis back onto St Mary Street in a major U-turn. Minicab drivers were told at a meeting with council officers last week that they could be given same rights as black-and-white hackney cabs to use bus lanes. Councillors on the public protection committee have already discussed the issue and its chairman, Coun Bob Smith, said he believed the change would happen. Coun Smith, the Conservative councillor for Llanishen, said: “It is true that it’s going to happen. It will hopefully be ratified in November. “If they want the St Mary Street closure to work, they are going to have to do something to allow private hire cars into the area.” The council confirmed the issue was being considered but said there were regulatory issues to be resolved. Currently only black-and-white hackney cabs are allowed to use Cardiff bus lanes and the St Mary Street traffic trial has forced private hire drivers to take longer routes and char...
More About: Hire , Regional , Private , Private Hire , Road

A Tough Decision!
2007-10-07 04:26:00
As a public servant, I consider it common sense to keep your personal beliefs at home when you are out on a job. Unfortunately, many clients don’t share in this perspective. Last month, I was hired to drive a client’s daughter home from an airport. When I met her at the gate, the daughter introduced herself as “Flame,” and throughout the ride, described in great detail a violent revolution that the Wind Goddess would bring upon the earth. She considered herself a freethinking Wiccan, and she seemed to worship more goddesses than there are snowflakes. Now, I find it best in situations like these to nod politely and keep my mouth shut. However, I found myself overwhelmingly disturbed by Flame’s insistence that the earth was nothing more than a swirling mass of energy that would soon explode and engulf the sun. Worse yet, my client expected me to drive her daughter around the city on a regular basis whenever she was visiting home. The situation got so extr...
More About: Decision , Tough

Unbelievably Experience!
2007-10-06 17:09:00
I recently had an unbelievably awful experience with a chauffeur I hired to drive me while I was in New York on business. This man was at least fifteen minutes late every time he picked me up, and since I was always hopping between business meetings, this was extremely bad for my image at the company. I did try to address this problem immediately, and although he politely insisted that it would not happen again, it proved to be an empty promise. His appearance was always unkempt; although he made somewhat of an effort the first day, showing up in an embarrassingly stained suit, by the fourth he had abandoned all hope and showed up in thoroughly worn jeans. He constantly forced conversation, even when I was speaking on the phone or preoccupied with work. He exhibited road rage in heavy traffic, and I honestly feared for my safety. I finally refused to put up with him. By the end of the week, I gave up and called a cab. The good news is that I spoke with the manager and got a 150% ref...
More About: Experience , Erie

Drunk Driver!
2007-10-06 06:55:00
I want to insist that all chauffeur’s vehicles be standard equipped with a breathalyzer that will prevent the car from starting if the driver has been drinking. I present this argument because last weekend, my daughter arrived back from her homecoming dance claiming that her driver had been tipsy on the ride home. I do not want to think about what might have happened to her and her friends. Of course I took this matter up with the limousine company we’d hired, but since I had no hard evidence to support my claim, there was nothing they could do other than to give a warning to their employees. Despite the fact that I am not able to prove that my driver was drinking, I still believe that installing a breathalyzer in all chauffeur’s vehicles is nothing short of common sense. No matter how careful you are in hiring a driver, the fact remains that they are a total stranger, and you have to trust them with your safety. I do not mean to insult chauffeurs; I understand tha...
More About: Safety , Driver , Drunk

Brownie Points
2007-10-06 06:35:00
I wanted to share a truly fantastic experience I have recently had with a chauffeur. My husband and I decided to hire a driver for a special night out. This driver arrived roughly fifteen minutes early in order to introduce himself. Not only was he polite, but his appearance was professional. He wore a suit and tie, and from the time he greeted us I knew I would be very happy with his services. He was confident and friendly, and he opened doors for my husband and I. Our car was still in impeccable condition at the end of the night, and we had a very enjoyable conversation with him the entire ride. The next time we went out, we hired the same man. Our chauffeur arrived early again and greeted us as he would a friend. I was impressed with how well he recalled details from our previous conversation; it showed how much care went into his work. While my husband and I were at our friend’s wedding, our chauffeur surprised us by taking our car out to be washed and waxed, and it looks...
More About: Tributes , Points , Brownie

I Don't believe it!
2007-10-06 06:32:00
Two months ago I hired a driver to take me to an airport. He arrived in a mini Cooper, and I am sharing this story because this was the most uncomfortable ride of my life. The driver was perfectly polite and very professional, but he is just starting up his own company and apparently, this is the only car he presently owns. If you are a chauffeur, please avoid using this car like the plague. My knees were in such agony by the end of the two-hour ride that I felt like screaming. Every time we hit a bump, my head hit the ceiling. I was squashed between two friends, and we were all miserable. I most certainly did not get what I paid for with this service. I am a rather tall individual, and this car was a nightmare to be a passenger in. If you want to accommodate all passengers, do not drive a mini Cooper. I would also suggest avoiding the Ford Escort, which makes for another wildly uncomfortable ride. This is especially true if you plan on transporting more than just a few people at a ...

Crashes and How to Avoid Them
2007-10-05 16:43:00
Though many chauffeur training programs include it, methods of defensive driving are largely impractical. When you are in a crash, you probably will not have time to assess the situation and minimize damage. The easiest way to reduce risk on the road is to take steps to prevent danger. Here are the techniques I have found most useful. Most fatal car crashes occur in the inside lane; driving in the outside lane will greatly lessen your risk. Also, by driving in the outside lane, you leave yourself a way out in heavy traffic in case the unexpected occurs. Following a crash, turn off your ignition as soon as possible. Since you are hardly out of harm’s way once the crash has occurred, always use your hazard lights in order to warn other drivers to stop or slow down as they approach the scene. Do not be a trusting driver. Never assume that another driver will stop, turn, change lanes, or slow down; it’s easy to misinterpret other drivers’ intentions, and this could re...
More About: Avoid , Crashes

Etiquette
2007-10-05 16:40:00
Every passenger will demand different behavior from their chauffeur, and your job is to meet the unique requirements of each individual client. Some of my passengers will readily engage me in conversation; other passengers are offended when I try to speak to them, and prefer to keep to themselves. It’s best to keep in mind that your client has hired you for your driving services, not for your friendship. I have found that it is best to overestimate the needs of the passenger; it is better to appear overly polite than to go to the other extreme. First impressions are crucial, so remember to greet your passenger with confidence and geniality. Remember to open doors for the passenger and load any luggage into the trunk for them. The greeting will set a tone for the entire trip, so it’s best to make a strong, friendly impression. It is only appropriate for the passenger to initiate small talk; again, this person did not hire you for your friendship. For many people, making s...
More About: Etiquette

Attire
2007-10-05 16:36:00
It’s a proven fact that an attractive appearance is a big factor in determining our friendships, our love life, and even our work. When someone is considering hiring you as a chauffeur, it is part of your job to present yourself as a professional. It is usually unacceptable for a chauffeur to work in jeans and a tee shirt, and it’s important to remember that when you meet with a prospective client for the first time, you should not dress differently than you would any other day at work. A suit is usually a must, although this varies with different companies. Some companies have a required uniform that may include a suit, tie, and even gloves. Other companies allow the client to request specific attire for their chauffeur. Depending on the event, whether you are driving your passengers to dinner or to a wedding, your dress may vary with different jobs. The interior of your vehicle, if it belongs to you or your company, should appear good as new. If you are driving your cl...
More About: Attire , Tire

Lincoln Town Car
2007-10-05 12:39:00
First made in the 1900’s the Lincoln Town Car is the best of Ford’s Lincoln luxury sedan line. The Town Car has under its hood a V8 with rear wheel drive. The inside was built for luxury and designed for the upper class owner with a chauffeur. As one of the safest cars on the market it is ideal for this use. It started as a custom built sedan for Henry Ford. For a while, it was not considered its own model, thins did not occur until 1981. As soon as it was introduced it was immediately considered the forerunner of Ford’s luxury products. When it first hit the market, it was ahead of its time in terms of luxury. It featured electric seats and a state of the art sound system. Like all contemporary Lincolns, it has a five digit code entry system for added security. In 1990 the car underwent a large design change. In this year it was named the Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. The Town Car was streamlined and a more modern look was the result. Driver’s airbag...

Green Transportation
2007-10-05 12:32:00
In Mesa Arizona, a new business somewhere between a chauffeur and taxi service has sprung up using new hybrid cars. Jim Whiteside gave up his life in the medical supply business and started up this company, called EnviroCar in order to create a more fuel-efficient and environment-friendly chauffeur service. He did so partly because of the air pollution problem in Phoenix Arizona. The new Prius and Lexus hybrid cars do their part in reducing emissions in the already polluted city. Some of the customers of this new service are quoted saying they did so because of the green nature of the vehicles. The business is still small, but because of the positive reaction by the public, it had a bright future as a successful chauffeur business. Not all people are drawn to EnviroCar because of the green nature of the vehicles either. Since the cars are new, they are comfortable and carry a fair amount of luggage. For this reason, many people use it as a shuttle to and from the Sky Harbor Interna...
More About: Transportation , Green , Tran

Types of Limousines
2007-10-05 12:21:00
When driving down the road and someone says, “hey look a limo,” they are most likely pointing to a stretch limousine. These are obviously the most commonly recognized forms of limos, being that they are nearly twice as long as the traditional car. Many times they are mistaken as the only kind of limousine. However, this is not true. The earlier limos were merely slightly longer sedans built for maximum luxury for few passengers. These first limos normally had traditional, forward facing seats along the back as any passenger vehicle would. However, they are fitted with a rear facing seats as well to create a more comfortable atmosphere. Other luxuries such as a drink bar, phone or other kinds of things would be built into these as well. These kinds of limousines are used normally for only a few passengers, typically from three to five and as such are not as popular, being used mostly by rich passengers for their personal, or rented, transport. These vehicles look much li...
More About: Types , Limousine , Sine

Jury told of fake taxi ride to death
2007-10-04 13:50:00
Martin WainwrightThursday October 4, 2007The Guardian A travel agent was abducted by a fake taxi driver and fell or jumped from the car to her death because she was terrified of being raped, a court was told yesterday. Stephanie Hammill, 20, was driven off at speed in a black Mercedes with her leg still sticking out of the open rear door, the jury at Sheffield crown court was told. After 50 metres, the door slammed shut. At the wheel, said Alistair MacDonald QC, prosecuting, was Ioannis Revenikiotis, 28, who had been working in Wakefield after graduating from Huddersfield University. Following the death of Ms Hammill in November 2003, his Mercedes was found in Greece and he was tracked down and extradited. Mr Revenikiotis denies kidnap and manslaughter. Mr MacDonald told the court the graduate had been involved in a series of incidents; though not reported to police, they showed a tendency to act in an indecent and intimidatory fashion towards women. The jury was told that Ms Hamm...
More About: Ride , Death , Fake , Told , Taxi

Kabul limos prove hit with locals
2007-10-03 07:01:00
By Soutik Biswas BBC News, Kabul When Said Maqsud's gleaming white Lincoln limousines rattle down Kabul's pot-holed streets, people gape at them and talk about the long, strange-looking cars. Some say it looks like an egg with two yolks. Others say it is like an airplane without wings, says Mr Maqsud, a maverick Afghan businessman who has opened Kabul's first and only limousine service. Still others ask me, 'Why don't you cut this into two cars and make more money. A limousine service looks like an audacious business venture in a country like Afghanistan, which is plagued by violence and double digit inflation. More than half of its people live in poverty, and at least 40% are without jobs. But Shams Limousine, Mr Maqsud's company with a fleet of three second-hand Lincolns shipped in from Los Angeles, appears to be doing brisk business in the Afghan capital. 'Cheapest limo' Loca ls usually hire the luxury cars for their wedding and office parties...
More About: Prove

A RUN WITH ROSALIE.
2007-10-01 21:07:00
SEVERAL months had elapsed since my adventure with Valentine of the Beautiful Eyes. From Germany Count Bindo di Ferraris had sent me with the car right across Europe to Florence, where, at Nenci's the builders of motor-bodies, I, in obedience to orders, had it repainted a bright yellow — almost the colour of mustard. When, a fortnight later, it came out of the Nenci works, I hardly recognised it. At Bindo's orders I had had a second body built, one made of wicker, and lined inside with glazed white leather, which, when fixed upon the chassis, completely transformed it. This second body I sent by rail down to Leghorn, and then drove the car along the Arno valley, down to the sea-shore. My orders were to go to the Palace Hotel at Leghorn, and there await my master. The hotel in question was, I found, one of the best in Italy, filled by the smartest crowd of men and women mostly of the Italian aristocracy, who went there for the magnificent sea-bathing. It was a huge wh...

No limo theft charges for players
2007-10-01 05:31:00
Two former England footballers will not be charged over the taking of a luxury private cab they admitted driving off in on a night out, police have said. Rob Lee, 38, and Warren Barton, 41, were arrested in July after the Mercedes E220 saloon was taken from Hackney Road, east London. The former Newcastle United stars admitted they drove off in the car when the owner stepped out of the vehicle. They then allegedly crashed it into a van and fled the scene. The car was found abandoned on Hackney Road. Officers said the owner of the car did not want to press any charges against the pair over the taking of the car. The ex-footballers were told this before they were due to answer bail on Tuesday. Lee, from West Ham, east London, played for Newcastle United for 10 years and was capped for his country 21 times. Barton, born in Stoke Newington, played for the Magpies between 1995 and 2002, and played for England three times.
More About: News , Players , Limo , Theft , Layer

The Chauffeurs Dilemma
2007-09-30 09:00:00
Article by Arlie Hochschild Let's consider our political moment through a story. Suppose a chauffeur drives a sleek limousine through the streets of New York, a millionaire in the backseat. Through the window, the millionaire spots a homeless woman and her two children huddling in the cold, sharing a loaf of bread. He orders the chauffeur to stop the car. The chauffeur opens the passenger door for the millionaire, who walks over to the mother and snatches the loaf. He slips back into the car and they drive on, leaving behind an even poorer family and a baffled crowd of sidewalk witnesses. For his part, the chauffeur feels real qualms about what his master has done, because unlike his employer, he has recently known hard times himself. But he drives on nonetheless. Let's call this the Chauffeur's Dile mma .Read the rest herehttp://www.motherjones.com/commentary /columns/2005/06/the_chauffeurs_dilemma.h tml (http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/co lumns/2005/06/the_chauffeurs_...
More About: Bureaucracy

Taxi Tales
2007-09-29 14:34:00
The life and times of a Northern UK Taxi driver. I've been round the block a few times now, but still as sharp as mustard. A keen observer of the human condition I see what others often overlook.
More About: Tales

Need your gadgets installed
2007-09-29 10:45:00
MP ElectricsThatcham Approved Car and Vehicle Security InstallersM P Electrics, trading since 1982 are specialists in vehicle electric's including the supply and installation of security/audio/phone and multimedia systems We provide a local mobile service with free pickup and delivery for the more involved job. M P Electrics can offer in car installations, equipment and services including: · Vehicle Alarm Supply Installations· In-Car Entertainment · Multimedia Systems · Mobile Phone Equipment Fitted · Full vehicle electrical repairsAs an added bonus to our customers M P Electrics will not charge for the removal of your old alarm system/equipment when having a new one fitted. M P Electrics Specialise in Retro-fitted Car Accessories· Stereo Systems · Central Door Locking Conversions · Electric Window Conversions · Anti-Carjacking Systems · Vehicle Security · Window grills/dead bolts Call us on01628 664300
More About: Gadgets

Would you like to work in Southern California!
2007-09-28 14:33:00
Chauffeur/DriverReply to: wwlimo@aol.comLimousine company is seeking candidates for full-time Chauffeur position. Based in the mid San Fernando Valley, and with over two decades of unparalleled service, our clients demand only the best, and we’re looking for those unique individuals who can meet that challenge. Applicants must be at least 25 years old, possess a professional appearance attitude, have a thorough knowledge of the Southern California area, and be able to work flexible hours. Applicants must also submit to a pre-employment and random drug testing. Other job requirements include: · Excellent customer service skills · Clean DMV record · Must be extremely punctual · Ability to effectively speak and read English · Must be a safe, skilled, and courteous driver · Must be willing to adhere to uniform dress code requirements · Ability to read and interpret maps, and follow directions · Ability to handle confidentia...
More About: Jobs , Work , Southern California

Do you Smoke while you DRIVE!
2007-09-28 08:32:00
Call to ban smoking while driving The Highway Code lists smoking while driving as a distraction Road safety officers are calling on the government to ban smoking behind the wheel to cut the number of accidents. Simon Ettinghausen, of the Local Authority Road Safety Officers' Association, said smoking was a dangerous distraction. He said there were concerns the ban on smoking in public places from 1 July might tempt more drivers to light up. But Forest, a pro-smoking group, opposed the idea while the Association of British Drive rs called it absurd. Representatives from the Local Authority Road Safety Officers' Association are to meet government officials in coming weeks to discuss the proposal.
More About: Smoke

OUR NEW LOOK
2007-09-28 02:41:00
Chauffeurs Blog New Launch TODAY!We have updated the site to give our members (100% FREE) more information and the latest news. We hope you like the new layout with all your blog entries (latest 10) shown on the top of the home page and underneath all the news covering all aspects of the chauffeur industry! To add your listing/blog post just simply register which is a really quick process and then you can add your news or stories or even promote your services as long as it is something that would interest our readers then feel free to tell us about you or your company. We have limited advertising space and sponsorship so if you want to reach the chauffeur/limousine industry we have competeive rates from £19.95/mnth! So sign up and WELCOME!
More About: News , New Look

Chauffeurs Blog
2007-09-10 04:44:00
Worldwide chauffeur news for the private hire hackney carriage and limousine industry. From chauffeurs and taxi drivers and people working in the travel and transportation industry, London taxi to New York, limousines, and chauffeur news for you!
More About: Blog , Introduction

Mercedes S320 CDI
2007-09-08 15:07:00
  Merc edes S320 cdi (2002)      silver black leather, tv dvd player, Alloy wheels excellent condition,  209,000 miles with full service history,  Original price was £53,300 Parkers Value car @ £12,000 (Dealer price)   £9,000 o.n.o  contact: admin@xclusivechauffeurs.com      Price: £9000.00

Mercedes S320 CDI
2007-09-08 14:07:00
Mercedes S320 cdi (2002) silver black leather, tv dvd player, Alloy wheels excellent condition, 209,000 miles with full service history, Original price was £53,300 Parkers Value car @ £12,000 (Dealer price) £9,000 o.n.o contact: admin@xclusivechauffeurs.com (mailto:admin@xclusivechauffeurs.com) Price: £9000.00
More About: Mercedes

Selling number plates - a guide
2007-07-30 03:43:00
If you want to a number plate, you have are 3 main choices. You can either Sell through a dealer (on commission) or Sell directly to a dealer or Sell independently Selling a registration number on commission: Generally, there are no advertising fees if you sell through a dealer. However, dealers will charge a commission fee when your number plate is sold. This can be up to 60% of the advertised retail price. For instance, when a number plate is for advertised sale at around £1000, up to £600 could be dealer commission fees. Fees can be £1000’s for higher priced registrations. Sometimes dealers charge a fee for a ‘sponsored listing’ to make sure your number plate appears at the top of the search list for selected word(s). Selling a registration mark to a dealer: Registrations do not usually sell quickly. So if you need to sell your number plate quickly, you can sometimes sell direct to a dealer. Often the higher value number plates can be sold...
More About: Guide , Guid , Number