Executive Charter Bus Vancouver

Executive Charter Bus Vancouver

Bus leasing

Whether you're planning a small team retreat, a large conference, or anything in between, they've got you covered. Learn more about Executive Charter Bus Vancouver here From scenic drives through the Canadian Rockies to exploring Vancouver's vibrant city life, you have the power to create the perfect trip. They can do that. Stick around, and you'll discover how Star Coach is not only transporting passengers but also transporting the industry into a new era of luxury and responsibility. Post-trip, expect a follow-up to ensure your journey met all your expectations.
Imagine gliding through the bustling streets of downtown Vancouver, where every corner offers a new discovery, in the comfort and style of a Star Coach bus. They promise to make your special occasion unforgettable, with seamless transportation that's just as memorable as the event itself. Don't worry if you're not sure about every detail yet; there's room for flexibility.

Downtown bus rental

  1. Charter shuttle service
  2. Metro Vancouver
  3. Crew shuttle
  4. Licensed bus operators
  5. Vancouver region
  6. Motor coach rental
  7. Sport team transportation
  8. Group tour bus
  9. Event shuttles
  10. Vancouver city
  11. Long-distance bus
  12. Affordable bus rental
  13. Team travel
  14. Hourly bus rental
  15. Vancouver
  16. Bus line
  17. Bus services
  18. Transport charter
  19. Downtown Vancouver
  20. Private bus rental
That's why they've structured their pricing to be transparent and straightforward, allowing you to budget efficiently without any surprises. Downtown bus rental
And with a dedicated team ready to assist you, customizing your trip down to the last detail is effortless. Learn more about Star Coach here. This means you won't pay for more than what you need. Our buses aren't just about luxury; they're about creating the right impression and setting the tone for your event. Choosing Star Coach means you're making a statement.
You'll find their team attentive to every detail. From the moment you book until you reach your destination, Star Coach's experienced drivers and staff are committed to providing a level of service that goes beyond just transportation. They're ready to assist you with any changes or additional requests to ensure your trip is exactly how you envisioned it.

Festival shuttle

  • Community bus service
  • Passenger bus rental
  • Safe bus rental
  • Bus rental for tours
  • Corporate bus rental
  • Vancouver area
  • Bus provider
  • Bus for hire
  • Private group transport
  • Comfortable bus rental
  • Party bus
  • Charter transportation
  • Lower Mainland BC
  • Bus charter
  • British Columbia
This flexibility makes it easy to tailor your travel plans to your group's exact requirements.

What's more, Star Coach adds special touches to make your day even more unforgettable.

Bus excursion

  • Community bus service
  • Passenger bus rental
  • Safe bus rental
  • Bus rental for tours
  • Corporate bus rental
  • Vancouver area
  • Bus provider
  • Bus for hire
  • Private group transport
  • Comfortable bus rental
  • Party bus
  • Event transportation
  • Sightseeing bus
  • Luxury transportation
  • Tour bus rental
  • Tour transportation
Moreover, their drivers aren't just skilled at navigating the roads but are also courteous and well-versed in customer service excellence. With Star Coach Bus Rentals, you're not just getting a bus; you're getting a partner who values your comfort and safety as much as you do. And don't worry about getting hungry or thirsty along the way; the onboard snack and beverage service has got you covered, offering a selection of refreshments to keep you satisfied. From fuel-efficient buses to rigorous recycling programs, every aspect of our service is designed with the environment in mind.

Rest assured, planning your journey with Star Coach is the first step toward a remarkable travel experience. You'll have access to a range of buses, each equipped with amenities that ensure comfort and productivity on the go. Vancouver's Star Coach Bus Rentals redefine comfort, ensuring you experience unparalleled relaxation during your journey. Moreover, we're constantly updating our safety measures in line with the latest health guidelines, including enhanced cleaning procedures to protect against Covid-19.

When you're planning a corporate event or organizing travel for a large group, you want the assurance that transportation will be the least of your worries. Their corporate packages aren't just about transporting you from point A to point B; they're about creating an experience. First off, head to their website. Whether you're drawn to the pulsing heart of downtown, the serene landscapes of Stanley Park, or the cultural richness of Granville Island, you have the freedom to choose.

Safety and comfort are their top priorities, so you can rest assured that every detail, from the driver's expertise to the vehicle's maintenance, is taken care of. High-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat mean you can keep your devices charged and stay in touch with the world outside, without skipping a beat. This means you're not left to navigate the overwhelming options alone. Fancy a bit of group fun?

Charter Coach Vancouver

Vancouver is a major city in Western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the city, up from 631,486 in 2016. The Metro Vancouver area had a population of 2.6 million in 2021, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada. Greater Vancouver, along with the Fraser Valley, comprises the Lower Mainland with a regional population of over 3 million. Vancouver has the highest population density in Canada, with over 5,700 inhabitants per square kilometre (15,000/sq mi), and the fourth highest in North America (after New York City, San Francisco, and Mexico City).

Citations and other links

Luxury Bus Service Vancouver

Choosing Star Coach means you're opting for a stress-free, reliable, and premium travel experience. Transitioning to personal celebrations, luxury bus rental in Vancouver can significantly elevate your wedding transportation, ensuring that your guests arrive in style and comfort. Having explored the stellar reviews and client experiences, it's now time to discover how you can embark on your own Star Coach journey.

Airport transfer

  • Community bus service
  • Passenger bus rental
  • Safe bus rental
  • Bus rental for tours
  • Corporate bus rental
  • Vancouver area
  • Bus provider
  • Bus for hire
  • Private group transport
  • Comfortable bus rental
  • Party bus
  • Downtown bus rental
  • Bus travel
  • Charter shuttle service
  • Metro Vancouver
Their customer service team is a call away, ready to assist with any queries or special requests you might have.
Stick around, and you'll discover how their legacy, combined with an unwavering commitment to excellence, has not only captured but retained the attention and loyalty of a discerning customer base. Executive bus charter And for those who prefer quiet time, noise-canceling headphones are provided to help you find your peace. You'll also notice a theme of gratitude for the personalized attention to detail.
Moreover, feedback is something they don't just welcome but actively seek out. Having explored the exceptional customer service that sets Star Coach apart, let's now focus on the versatile rental solutions they offer to meet any need you may have. Whether it's for corporate, family, or leisure travel, it's clear that Star Coach goes above and beyond to ensure a luxurious and seamless experience for all its passengers. Read more about Executive Charter Bus Vancouver here
Stepping into the luxury segment of bus rentals in Vancouver, the Prevost H3-45 presents an unparalleled blend of comfort and style. And for those longer trips, onboard restrooms are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and convenience, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed. You're provided with a fleet of luxury buses that cater to any corporate requirement, whether it's shuttling employees to a conference, entertaining clients with a city tour, or organizing a team-building retreat.

Executive bus charter

  1. School bus rental
  2. Charter vehicle
  3. Mini coach rental
  4. Minibus rental
  5. Shuttle service
  6. Casino shuttle
  7. Bus hire
  8. Bus driver service
  9. Wedding bus rental
  10. Greater Vancouver
  11. Senior group travel
  12. Transport services
  13. Vancouver BC
  14. Convention transport
  15. Group transportation
  16. Custom bus rental

Tour bus rental
Luxury Bus Service Vancouver
Vancouver Bus Fleet Services

Vancouver Bus Fleet Services

Understanding your unique needs, we offer tailored travel experiences that cater precisely to your preferences and requirements. Star Coach prides itself on transparency, so you won't have to worry about hidden fees. Your coordinator can also help with scheduling, ensuring you've got enough time for all your planned activities without feeling rushed.

Executive bus charter

  1. Downtown Vancouver
  2. Private bus rental
  3. School bus rental
  4. Charter vehicle
  5. Mini coach rental
  6. Minibus rental
  7. Shuttle service
  8. Casino shuttle
  9. Bus hire
  10. Bus driver service
  11. Wedding bus rental
  12. Greater Vancouver
  13. Senior group travel
  14. Transport services
  15. Vancouver BC
  16. Convention transport
  17. Group transportation
  18. Custom bus rental
Plus, if you have any questions or need to tailor your rental to specific requirements, Star Coach's customer support is just a call or an email away, ready to assist you with efficiency and friendliness.

This isn't just any bus; it's a statement on wheels, designed to elevate your travel experience to levels you've never imagined. Instead of the typical shoulder-to-shoulder setup, you'll enjoy seating that's designed for interaction and personal space. Next, you'll choose your pickup and drop-off locations, along with the date and time that suit your schedule best.

Festival shuttle

  1. Bus excursion
  2. Bus transportation
  3. Charter transportation
  4. Lower Mainland BC
  5. Bus charter
  6. British Columbia
  7. Executive bus charter
  8. Luxury bus rental
  9. Downtown bus rental
  10. Bus travel
  11. Charter shuttle service
  12. Metro Vancouver
  13. Crew shuttle
  14. Licensed bus operators
  15. Vancouver region
  16. Motor coach rental


Star Coach maintains the highest standards of hygiene, with thorough cleaning and sanitization protocols in place before and after every trip. From the moment you reach out, you'll work with a dedicated coordinator who'll listen to your requirements and suggest the best options for your journey. We've trained our drivers extensively in both defensive driving and emergency response techniques, ensuring they're prepared for any situation that might arise during your journey.

Event transportation

  1. Wedding bus rental
  2. Greater Vancouver
  3. Senior group travel
  4. Transport services
  5. Vancouver BC
  6. Convention transport
  7. Group transportation
  8. Custom bus rental
  9. Community bus service
  10. Passenger bus rental
  11. Safe bus rental
  12. Bus rental for tours
  13. Corporate bus rental
  14. Vancouver area
  15. Bus provider
  16. Bus for hire
  17. Private group transport
  18. Comfortable bus rental
  19. Party bus
  20. British Columbia


Once you've submitted the form, a Star Coach representative will get in touch with you to discuss your needs further. They're not just transporting you; they're adding to the magic of your day. Plush seating, ambient lighting, and a spacious layout invite you to relax and enjoy the ride. Lower Mainland BC

Top-Tier Coach Service Vancouver

You're in capable hands with their team of professional drivers who've undergone extensive background checks and participate in ongoing training programs focused on defensive driving and emergency response techniques. Imagine not having to worry about the logistics of your trip because you've got a team that's got it all covered. With Star Coach, you're covered for every occasion, making every journey as exceptional as the destination. Through consistent delivery of high-quality service and a fleet that boasts the latest in comfort and technology, they've carved out a niche that's hard to compete with.

They've done their homework, comparing their prices with other providers in Vancouver, to make sure you're getting a top-notch service without breaking the bank. It's that simple. Thinking about a guided tour with knowledgeable commentary throughout Vancouver?

With these exclusive onboard amenities, you'll arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and pampered. For those who appreciate the finer details, mood lighting and an on-board entertainment system offer an ambience that can be tailored to the preferences of your group, creating a truly bespoke travel experience. With Star Coach, you're not just getting from point A to point B; you're treated to a premium travel experience that elevates your journey.

Tour transportation

  • Sport team transportation
  • Group tour bus
  • Event shuttles
  • Vancouver city
  • Long-distance bus
  • Affordable bus rental
  • Team travel
  • Hourly bus rental
  • Vancouver
  • Bus line
  • Bus services
  • Transport charter
  • Downtown Vancouver
  • Private bus rental
  • School bus rental
  • Charter vehicle


With onboard Wi-Fi, you can stay connected to the internet, ensuring you're not missing out on important emails or your social media feeds. We also invest in advanced safety features and technology to further enhance your security. Star Coach offers tailored corporate travel packages designed to meet the specific needs of your business, ensuring a seamless journey for you and your team.

Top-Tier Coach Service Vancouver
Professional Executive Coach Vancouver
Professional Executive Coach Vancouver

Star Coach understands the importance of flexibility and strives to accommodate any request, big or small. Picture a day spent hopping from one award-winning winery to another, savoring fine wines and local cuisine, without the hassle of driving. You won't have to settle for a one-size-fits-all approach. Once your booking is confirmed, you'll receive a detailed confirmation email, outlining everything you need to know about your upcoming journey.

From the moment you reach out for a booking, you're met with a team eager to tailor every detail to your preferences. Star Coach elevates your special day with bespoke wedding packages designed to complement their premier event transportation, ensuring your journey to the altar is as memorable as the ceremony itself. Star Coach doesn't just get you to your destination; they make the journey part of the event.

Luxury transportation

  1. Executive bus charter
  2. Luxury bus rental
  3. Downtown bus rental
  4. Bus travel
  5. Charter shuttle service
  6. Metro Vancouver
  7. Crew shuttle
  8. Licensed bus operators
  9. Vancouver region
  10. Motor coach rental
  11. Sport team transportation
  12. Group tour bus
  13. Event shuttles
  14. Vancouver city
  15. Long-distance bus
  16. Affordable bus rental
  17. Team travel
  18. Hourly bus rental
  19. Vancouver
  20. Bus line


Many have shared their exceptional experiences with Star Coach's bus rental services in Vancouver, highlighting the company's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. That's the experience our clients rave about. Whether you're heading to a corporate event, a wedding, or a sightseeing tour, we tailor our route planning to your specific needs.

Each bus in their fleet undergoes regular, comprehensive inspections and maintenance.

Airport transfer

  1. Mini coach rental
  2. Minibus rental
  3. Shuttle service
  4. Casino shuttle
  5. Bus hire
  6. Bus driver service
  7. Wedding bus rental
  8. Greater Vancouver
  9. Senior group travel
  10. Transport services
  11. Vancouver BC
  12. Convention transport
  13. Group transportation
  14. Custom bus rental
  15. Community bus service
  16. Passenger bus rental
  17. Safe bus rental
  18. Bus rental for tours
  19. Corporate bus rental
Whether you're planning a corporate event, a sightseeing tour, or a special celebration, Star Coach has a range of luxurious buses to fit your needs. Bus travel This human touch transforms a simple ride into a pleasant travel experience.

Vancouver Comfort Coach Hire

It's also about consistently delivering high-quality service, maintaining their fleet to avoid breakdowns, and being prepared for any situation that might arise. Their drivers are more than just operators; they're ambassadors of the Star Coach experience.

Tour bus rental

  • Bus leasing
  • Airport transfer
  • Coach hire
  • Festival shuttle
  • Event transportation
  • Sightseeing bus
  • Luxury transportation
  • Tour bus rental
  • Tour transportation
  • Bus excursion
  • Bus transportation
  • Charter transportation
  • Lower Mainland BC
  • Bus charter
  • British Columbia
  • Executive bus charter
  • Luxury bus rental
  • Downtown bus rental
  • Bus travel
To secure your booking, a deposit is required, with the balance due closer to your departure date. With Star Coach's executive fleet, you're not just traveling; you're indulging in an experience that sets a new standard for bus rental in Vancouver.
So, when you book with Star Coach, you're not just getting a bus; you're securing peace of mind knowing you've made a cost-effective choice without compromising on quality.

Coach hire

  1. Crew shuttle
  2. Licensed bus operators
  3. Vancouver region
  4. Motor coach rental
  5. Sport team transportation
  6. Group tour bus
  7. Event shuttles
  8. Vancouver city
  9. Long-distance bus
  10. Affordable bus rental
  11. Team travel
  12. Hourly bus rental
  13. Vancouver
  14. Bus line
  15. Bus services
  16. Transport charter
You'll find yourself surrounded by an environment that's both elegant and equipped to cater to your every need. They praised Star Coach for its punctuality, professionalism, and the exceptional condition of the buses, noting how the seamless transportation contributed significantly to the event's success.
Plus, with advanced climate control systems, you're guaranteed a comfortable environment, no matter the weather outside. They've designed their pricing structure with you in mind, ensuring that you get top-notch service without breaking the bank. And let's not forget the fun times!
Star Coach's legacy in the Vancouver bus rental market is built on decades of reliable service and customer satisfaction. Charter transportation Imagine sipping your favorite wine while gliding through the city or having a dedicated guide narrate the rich history of Vancouver's landmarks. Their fleet isn't just diverse; it's meticulously maintained and equipped with the latest amenities to ensure your journey is as comfortable as it's reliable.

Explore Executive Charter Bus Vancouver here
Vancouver Comfort Coach Hire
1908 Studebaker limousine with an open driver's compartment
1953 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV (coachwork by Hooper)

A limousine (/ˈlɪməziːn/ or /lɪməˈziːn/), or limo (/ˈlɪmoʊ/) for short,[1] is a large, chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle with a partition between the driver compartment and the passenger compartment which can be operated mechanically by hand or by a button electronically.[2] A luxury sedan with a very long wheelbase and driven by a professional driver is called a stretch limousine.[3]

In some countries, such as the United States, Germany, Canada, and Australia, a limousine service may be any pre-booked hire car with a driver, usually, but only sometimes a luxury car. In particular, airport shuttle services are often called "limousine services", though they often use minivans or light commercial vehicles.[2]

Etymology

[edit]
The type of limousine hood or roof described in the text (1912 Vauxhall)

The word limousine is derived from the name of the French region Limousin; however, how the area's name was transferred to the car is uncertain.

One possibility involves a particular type of carriage hood or roof that physically resembled the raised hood of the cloak worn by the shepherds there.[4][5]

An alternate etymology speculates that some early chauffeurs wore a Limousin-style cloak in the open driver's compartment for protection from the weather.[6] The name was then extended to this particular type of car with a permanent top projecting over the chauffeur.[4] This former type of automobile had an enclosed passenger compartment seating three to five persons, with only a roof projecting forward over the open driver's area in the front.[7]

History

[edit]

Wealthy owners of expensive carriages and their passengers were accustomed to their private compartments leaving their coachman or driver outside in all weathers. When automobiles arrived, the same people required a similar arrangement for their chauffeurs. As such, the 1916 definition of limousine by the US Society of Automobile Engineers is "a closed car seating three to five inside, with driver's seat outside".[8]

In Great Britain, the limousine de-ville was a version of the limousine town car where the driver's compartment was outside and had no weather protection.[9]: 103  The limousine-landaulet variant (also sold in the United States) had a removable or folding roof section over the rear passenger seat.[9]: 100 

In the United States, sub-categories of limousines in 1916 were the berline, defined as "a limousine having the driver's seat entirely enclosed", and the brougham, described as "a limousine with no roof over the driver's seat."[8]

The president of the United States has ridden in a variety of brands of state cars starting from 1899 when President William McKinley was the first to ride in a car, a steam Locomobile.[10][11][12]

U.S. limousine business declined in the 21st century due to the effects of the Great Recession, the subsequent rise of ride sharing apps, and an industry crisis precipitated by deadly stretch limousine crashes in 2015 and Schoharie, New York, in 2018. Moreover, during this time, people who would have once utilized limousines began opting to travel more discreetly in cars like black SUVs.[13]

Characteristics

[edit]

The limousine body style usually has a partition separating the driver from the rear passenger compartment.[6][9] This partition usually includes an openable glass section so passengers may see the road. Communication with the driver is possible either by opening the partition window or using an intercom system.

Limousines are often long-wheelbase vehicles to provide extra legroom in the passenger compartment. There will usually be occasional seats (in the U.S. called jump seats) at the front of the compartment (either forward-facing, rear-facing, or able to face either direction).

Many nations have official state cars designed to transport government officials. The top leaders have dedicated and specially equipped limousines. The United States Presidential State Car is the official car of the President of the United States.

Stretch limousines

[edit]
Lincoln Town Car stretch limousine

Stretch limousines are longer than regular limousines, usually to accommodate more passengers. Stretch limousines may have seating along the sides of the cabin.

A "stretch limousine" was created in Fort Smith, Arkansas, around 1928 by the Armbruster coach company. Their vehicles were primarily used to transport famous "big band" leaders, such as Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, and their members and equipment. These early stretch limousines were often called "big band buses". Armbruster called their lengthened cars "extended-wheelbase multi-door auto-coaches". Their 12-passenger coaches were used by hotels, taxis, airlines, corporations, and tour companies.[14] Knock-down programs by automakers made coachbuilders stretch vehicles, but Armbruster also custom built limousines using unibody construction such as the 1969 AMC Ambassadors.[15]

As of 2023, stretch limousines comprise one percent of U.S. limousine company offerings. That total was down from about ten percent in 2013.[13]

Novelty limousines

[edit]

A variety of vehicles not designed as limousines have been converted into novelty limousines.[16] Another style of novelty limousine are those painted in bright colors, such as purple or pink.[17]

Vehicles converted into novelty stretch limousines include the East German Trabant, Volkswagen Beetle, Fiat Panda, and Citroën 2CV. There are instances of Corvettes, Ferraris, and Mini Coopers being stretched to accommodate up to 10 passengers.

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Garner, Bryan (July 28, 2009). Garner's Modern American Usage. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199874620. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Definition of limousine". merriam-webster.com. October 28, 2019. Archived from the original on September 20, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  3. ^ "Definition of Stretch Limo". merriam-webster.com. Archived from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  4. ^ a b Dyke, Andrew Lee (1920). Dyke's Automobile and Gasoline Engine Encyclopedia (Twelfth ed.). p. 582. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  5. ^ Ayto, John (2009). Word Origins. A&C Black Publishers. ISBN 978-1-4081-0160-5. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  6. ^ a b The Random House College Dictionary. Random House. 1975. p. 777. ISBN 0-394-43600-8. 1. an automobile having a permanently enclosed compartment for from three to five persons, the roof of which projects forward over the driver's seat in front...[< F, special use of limousine long cloak, so called because worn by the shepherds of Limousin, a former province in central France]
  7. ^ "Definition of limousine" (Complete & Unabridged Digital ed.). Collins English Dictionary. 2012. Archived from the original on April 17, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  8. ^ a b "What's What in Automobile Bodies Officially Determined". The New York Times. August 20, 1916. Archived from the original on May 2, 2014. Retrieved June 27, 2015. Here it is, with other body types and distinctions, officially determined recently by the Nomenclature Division of the Society of Automobile Engineers
  9. ^ a b c Haajanen, Lennart W. (2003). Illustrated Dictionary of Automobile Body Styles. Jefferson, NC: McFarland. p. 96. ISBN 0-7864-1276-3. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  10. ^ Huffman, John Pearley (January 19, 2009). "The Top Presidential Limousines of All Time". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  11. ^ DeWitt, Nancy (September 4, 2012). "Presidential Wheels". Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  12. ^ "A Car Fit For A President". Grundy Insurance. February 25, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Jiménez, Jesus (2023-04-28). "The Long Demise of the Stretch Limousine". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2023-04-30. Retrieved 2023-04-30.
  14. ^ Theobald, Mark; DeWinter IV, Bernie (2004). "Armbruster & Company, Tom Armbruster, Ed Robben, Armbruster/Stageway, Fort Smith, Airport Limousine, Earnhart & Johansen". coachbuilt.com. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  15. ^ Strohl, Daniel (23 September 2018). "1969 AMC Ambassador Limousine". Hemmings. Archived from the original on 28 December 2022. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  16. ^ "Dave's Classic Limousines Pictures: Novelty Limousines". Archived from the original on July 12, 2015. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  17. ^ Naylor, Sharon (2004). 1000 Best Wedding Bargains. Sourcebooks. p. 198. ISBN 978-1-4022-0298-8. Retrieved June 27, 2015. novelty limousines.
[edit]
  • The dictionary definition of limousine at Wiktionary
  • Media related to Limousines at Wikimedia Commons

 

1908 Studebaker limousine with an open driver's compartment
1953 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV (coachwork by Hooper)

A limousine (/ˈlɪməziːn/ or /lɪməˈziːn/), or limo (/ˈlɪmoʊ/) for short,[1] is a large, chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle with a partition between the driver compartment and the passenger compartment which can be operated mechanically by hand or by a button electronically.[2] A luxury sedan with a very long wheelbase and driven by a professional driver is called a stretch limousine.[3]

In some countries, such as the United States, Germany, Canada, and Australia, a limousine service may be any pre-booked hire car with a driver, usually, but only sometimes a luxury car. In particular, airport shuttle services are often called "limousine services", though they often use minivans or light commercial vehicles.[2]

Etymology

[edit]
The type of limousine hood or roof described in the text (1912 Vauxhall)

The word limousine is derived from the name of the French region Limousin; however, how the area's name was transferred to the car is uncertain.

One possibility involves a particular type of carriage hood or roof that physically resembled the raised hood of the cloak worn by the shepherds there.[4][5]

An alternate etymology speculates that some early chauffeurs wore a Limousin-style cloak in the open driver's compartment for protection from the weather.[6] The name was then extended to this particular type of car with a permanent top projecting over the chauffeur.[4] This former type of automobile had an enclosed passenger compartment seating three to five persons, with only a roof projecting forward over the open driver's area in the front.[7]

History

[edit]

Wealthy owners of expensive carriages and their passengers were accustomed to their private compartments leaving their coachman or driver outside in all weathers. When automobiles arrived, the same people required a similar arrangement for their chauffeurs. As such, the 1916 definition of limousine by the US Society of Automobile Engineers is "a closed car seating three to five inside, with driver's seat outside".[8]

In Great Britain, the limousine de-ville was a version of the limousine town car where the driver's compartment was outside and had no weather protection.[9]: 103  The limousine-landaulet variant (also sold in the United States) had a removable or folding roof section over the rear passenger seat.[9]: 100 

In the United States, sub-categories of limousines in 1916 were the berline, defined as "a limousine having the driver's seat entirely enclosed", and the brougham, described as "a limousine with no roof over the driver's seat."[8]

The president of the United States has ridden in a variety of brands of state cars starting from 1899 when President William McKinley was the first to ride in a car, a steam Locomobile.[10][11][12]

U.S. limousine business declined in the 21st century due to the effects of the Great Recession, the subsequent rise of ride sharing apps, and an industry crisis precipitated by deadly stretch limousine crashes in 2015 and Schoharie, New York, in 2018. Moreover, during this time, people who would have once utilized limousines began opting to travel more discreetly in cars like black SUVs.[13]

Characteristics

[edit]

The limousine body style usually has a partition separating the driver from the rear passenger compartment.[6][9] This partition usually includes an openable glass section so passengers may see the road. Communication with the driver is possible either by opening the partition window or using an intercom system.

Limousines are often long-wheelbase vehicles to provide extra legroom in the passenger compartment. There will usually be occasional seats (in the U.S. called jump seats) at the front of the compartment (either forward-facing, rear-facing, or able to face either direction).

Many nations have official state cars designed to transport government officials. The top leaders have dedicated and specially equipped limousines. The United States Presidential State Car is the official car of the President of the United States.

Stretch limousines

[edit]
Lincoln Town Car stretch limousine

Stretch limousines are longer than regular limousines, usually to accommodate more passengers. Stretch limousines may have seating along the sides of the cabin.

A "stretch limousine" was created in Fort Smith, Arkansas, around 1928 by the Armbruster coach company. Their vehicles were primarily used to transport famous "big band" leaders, such as Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, and their members and equipment. These early stretch limousines were often called "big band buses". Armbruster called their lengthened cars "extended-wheelbase multi-door auto-coaches". Their 12-passenger coaches were used by hotels, taxis, airlines, corporations, and tour companies.[14] Knock-down programs by automakers made coachbuilders stretch vehicles, but Armbruster also custom built limousines using unibody construction such as the 1969 AMC Ambassadors.[15]

As of 2023, stretch limousines comprise one percent of U.S. limousine company offerings. That total was down from about ten percent in 2013.[13]

Novelty limousines

[edit]

A variety of vehicles not designed as limousines have been converted into novelty limousines.[16] Another style of novelty limousine are those painted in bright colors, such as purple or pink.[17]

Vehicles converted into novelty stretch limousines include the East German Trabant, Volkswagen Beetle, Fiat Panda, and Citroën 2CV. There are instances of Corvettes, Ferraris, and Mini Coopers being stretched to accommodate up to 10 passengers.

[edit]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Garner, Bryan (July 28, 2009). Garner's Modern American Usage. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199874620. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Definition of limousine". merriam-webster.com. October 28, 2019. Archived from the original on September 20, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  3. ^ "Definition of Stretch Limo". merriam-webster.com. Archived from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  4. ^ a b Dyke, Andrew Lee (1920). Dyke's Automobile and Gasoline Engine Encyclopedia (Twelfth ed.). p. 582. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  5. ^ Ayto, John (2009). Word Origins. A&C Black Publishers. ISBN 978-1-4081-0160-5. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  6. ^ a b The Random House College Dictionary. Random House. 1975. p. 777. ISBN 0-394-43600-8. 1. an automobile having a permanently enclosed compartment for from three to five persons, the roof of which projects forward over the driver's seat in front...[< F, special use of limousine long cloak, so called because worn by the shepherds of Limousin, a former province in central France]
  7. ^ "Definition of limousine" (Complete & Unabridged Digital ed.). Collins English Dictionary. 2012. Archived from the original on April 17, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  8. ^ a b "What's What in Automobile Bodies Officially Determined". The New York Times. August 20, 1916. Archived from the original on May 2, 2014. Retrieved June 27, 2015. Here it is, with other body types and distinctions, officially determined recently by the Nomenclature Division of the Society of Automobile Engineers
  9. ^ a b c Haajanen, Lennart W. (2003). Illustrated Dictionary of Automobile Body Styles. Jefferson, NC: McFarland. p. 96. ISBN 0-7864-1276-3. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  10. ^ Huffman, John Pearley (January 19, 2009). "The Top Presidential Limousines of All Time". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  11. ^ DeWitt, Nancy (September 4, 2012). "Presidential Wheels". Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  12. ^ "A Car Fit For A President". Grundy Insurance. February 25, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Jiménez, Jesus (2023-04-28). "The Long Demise of the Stretch Limousine". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2023-04-30. Retrieved 2023-04-30.
  14. ^ Theobald, Mark; DeWinter IV, Bernie (2004). "Armbruster & Company, Tom Armbruster, Ed Robben, Armbruster/Stageway, Fort Smith, Airport Limousine, Earnhart & Johansen". coachbuilt.com. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  15. ^ Strohl, Daniel (23 September 2018). "1969 AMC Ambassador Limousine". Hemmings. Archived from the original on 28 December 2022. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  16. ^ "Dave's Classic Limousines Pictures: Novelty Limousines". Archived from the original on July 12, 2015. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  17. ^ Naylor, Sharon (2004). 1000 Best Wedding Bargains. Sourcebooks. p. 198. ISBN 978-1-4022-0298-8. Retrieved June 27, 2015. novelty limousines.
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  • The dictionary definition of limousine at Wiktionary
  • Media related to Limousines at Wikimedia Commons

 

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