Europe's Debut Limousine Show Proves 'Length' Does Matter
Published: 22nd September 2005
The Limousine and Chauffeur Show hit the UK for the first time this weekend and received a fantastic response from both the motoring industry and the general public. The motor show at Sandown Park in Surrey, ran over two days and saw almost 4000 visitors coming to feast their eyes on some of the world’s most prestigious stretched limousines, luxurious chauffeur cars and exotic vehicles.
The show was Europe’s first opportunity to introduce this kind of motoring event outside of the USA, bringing together some of America’s most deluxe limousine manufacturers and desirable executive cars from all around the world. The show featured almost 40 exhibitors from the motoring industry including; Binz UK, Audi UK, BMW UK, Volkswagen UK, DaimlerChrysler UK, XoticLimos.com, Limo Word UK, The Chauffeur Magazine (show sponsors), Direct Chauffeur Line (show sponsors) and the National Limousine Association.
Making its European debut at the Limousine and Chauffeur Show was the impressive six wheeled, 9-passenger, Hummer H6, worth over £73,000. The H6 is expected to take the UK’s limousine market by storm. Limo World UK, the sole European dealer and distributor of the H6, has already seen units sold in Japan, USA and Dubai. Nick Clarke, Managing Director of Limo World UK comments: "Europe’s first limousine show has been a fantastic opportunity for us to debut the new Hummer H6. We also sold 20 Hummer H3 Limousines, some of which are going to European buyers from Paris, Switzerland and Belgium as well as the UK. We are already looking forwards to being part of the 2006 Limousine and Chauffeur Show."
Giving the six wheeled Hummer H6 a run for its money was the ‘Joker’ Hummer H2, which headlined the UK event. Hirelimo's the company behind the creation of the Joker, won 'Limousine of the Year', at the UK's first Industry Awards. Built exclusively for a UK limousine operator, the Joker is worth more than £150,000 and is equipped with casino interior and mind blowing sound system. Hirelimo’s is one of UK’s best known limousine hire agencies with over 24 branches, stretching the boundaries of the UK with its impressive and prestigious range of exotic limousines. Paul Miles, Managing Director of Hirelimo's and XoticLimo's.com comments; "The UK show was a huge success! We sold three Porsche Cayenne Limousine's and made our first Blue Crush sale on the first day after only 30 minutes of the doors opening! We sold one Porsche to Belgium and one to Germany - a truly European show. This limo show was as good as any that I’ve attended in USA and we are now well and truly on the limousine map and already looking forwards to being part of next years show!"
The Ford Excursion Diplomat, with an interior comparable to that of a private jet, also made an appearance at the UK’s debut show. Full of the ‘bling’ factor, Limo Depot UK ECB’s un-stretched Excursion has already attracted attention from a range of world famous music stars. Also at the show, ECB President David Bakares announced the take over of Limo Depot and the opening of the ECB factory outlet in the UK. David Towells, Managing Director of Limo Depot UK ECB, comments; "We are very pleased with the show. We have sold a number of cars of which 25% are European sales. We believe the UK show to be on a par with Las Vegas!"
Audi UK launched its new Prestige Chauffeur Program - a new initiative designed to bring all the exclusivity of the Vorsprung Durch Technik brand to both the consumer and the client. Audi also exhibited the new A8 3.0TDI Quattro long wheelbase, which won ‘Chauffeur Car of the Year’ at the industry awards. Liz McConnell, Specialist Sales Manager for Audi Business Sales, was delighted with Audi’s representation at the inaugural show and even more so by the A8’s award! Liz comments: "The level of interest in Audi we registered throughout the show made it an extremely worthwhile venture for us, especially as we also beat some pretty exalted luxury cars to an award judged not only by respected authorities in the chauffeuring industry, but also by professional drivers across the country who spend most of their working lives in luxury saloons."
The Maybach 62, kindly loaned to Binz UK by DaimlerChrysler UK, was also on display for visitors at the UK show. The Maybach 62 is the world’s most technologically advanced limousine, measuring 6.2 metres long and costing around £290,000. The Maybach features first class airline seats in the rear which recline almost into a full bed and houses the world’s most powerful production limousine engine. Binz UK also featured their latest version of the company’s Mercedes-Benz E-Class based 6 door limousine available in both E-220 and E-280 ultra-quiet encapsulated CDI form and E-350 petrol engine. Peter Smith, Binz UK, Chief Executive comments; "It’s been a very successful show and we’re very pleased to have been able to network with the right kind of people. We would like to thank all those involved in organising the first Limousine Show of this type in Europe"
Volkswagen UK presented the Phaeton, Volkswagen’s new luxury saloon and BMW revealed for the first time, to a UK audience, the new BMW 7-Series, Long-wheel base 3.0 diesel version.
The UK’s 2005 Limousine and Chauffeur Show also brought the first Industry Awards. Categories included; ‘Website of the Year’, which was won by A1stretch.com; ‘Limousine of the Year’, won by HireLimo’s for the Joker and Royale Limousines were voted, ‘Coach Builder of the Year’. ‘Chauffeur Car of the Year’ was won by Audi for the A8 3.0TDI, Singletons Limos won ‘Operator of The Year’ and ‘Chauffeur of the Year’ was won by Robert Mortimer.
Attending the two day UK event was US celebrity entrepreneur, US Limo Icon and World Record holder Limo Bob. Currently holding the Guinness World Record for the longest Limousine which measures a staggering 100ft, Limo Bob, equipped with his trade mark array of gold jewellery, was on hand to provide his Limousine expertise for all budding Limo owners.
The show also launched the brand new and exclusive 2006 Limousine Calendar, featuring some of the world’s most beautiful women with the world’s most exotic cars!
The 2005 Limousine and Chauffeur Show has set a president amongst the European motoring industry. Exhibitors who were involved in the UK’s first show of its kind are already looking forwards to taking part next year.
