Vancouver Luxury Bus Hire

Vancouver Luxury Bus Hire

Event transportation

That's where Star Coach steps in. Their experience isn't just about years on the road; it's about understanding what makes a trip memorable and stress-free for you. They understand that your journey isn't just about getting from point A to B; it's about how you feel throughout the experience.

Event transportation

  1. Private group transport
  2. Vancouver region
  3. Private bus rental
  4. Event shuttles
  5. Community bus service
  6. Bus leasing
  7. Group tour bus
  8. City tour bus
  9. Motor coach rental
  10. Comfortable bus rental
  11. Charter transportation
  12. Crew shuttle
  13. Long-distance bus
  14. Sightseeing bus
  15. Hourly bus rental
  16. Senior group travel
  17. Team travel
  18. Transport services
  19. Bus packages
Star Coach's system is designed to provide you with an instant quote, ensuring transparency and avoiding any unpleasant surprises. You got it. Learn more about Vancouver Luxury Bus Hire here
They don't just offer a ride; they provide a travel experience that's steeped in comfort and convenience, making every journey memorable. From the moment you reach out to us, we're listening to what you want and need, ensuring that every detail of your trip is personalized just for you. 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. Each bus boasts plush seating, ensuring you're in the realm of comfort, whether you're heading to a corporate event, a wedding, or simply touring the sights. Learn more about Star Coach here.
Our fleet consistently sets the standard for quality, ensuring every ride you take is nothing short of exceptional. Payment is straightforward, with various secure options available for your convenience. You're not just arriving; you're making an entrance. You're not just renting a bus; you're investing in an experience that's tailored to meet the highest expectations.
Adjustable LED lighting sets the perfect atmosphere, whether you're catching up on work or sinking into a movie on your tablet. Whether it's a corporate event, a family reunion, or a sightseeing tour, clients feel they're in good hands. So, when you book with them, you're not just traveling in style; you're also contributing to a greener planet. Moreover, we're constantly updating our safety measures in line with the latest health guidelines, including enhanced cleaning procedures to protect against Covid-19.

It's not just about getting from point A to B; it's about making a statement, ensuring your event starts and ends on a high note.

Event transportation

  1. Charter transportation
  2. Crew shuttle
  3. Long-distance bus
  4. Sightseeing bus
  5. Hourly bus rental
  6. Senior group travel
  7. Team travel
  8. Transport services
  9. Bus packages
  10. Private group transport
  11. Charter transportation
  12. Crew shuttle
  13. Long-distance bus
  14. Sightseeing bus
  15. Hourly bus rental
You'll also notice a theme of gratitude for the personalized attention to detail. Last-minute changes? Having explored how to book your luxury bus rental, let's hear what previous clients have to say about their experiences with Star Coach.

Picture this: you're gliding through the streets of Vancouver, ensconced in comfort that rivals a first-class flight. After exploring the luxurious lift wedding transportation can offer, let's now consider how luxury bus rentals in Vancouver redefine group travel, taking it far beyond the basics.

Hourly bus rental

  1. Private group transport
  2. Event shuttles
  3. Community bus service
  4. Bus leasing
  5. Group tour bus
  6. City tour bus
  7. Motor coach rental
  8. Comfortable bus rental
  9. Charter transportation
  10. Crew shuttle
  11. Long-distance bus
  12. Sightseeing bus
  13. Hourly bus rental
  14. Senior group travel
  15. Team travel
  16. Transport services
  17. Bus packages
  18. Private group transport
  19. Event shuttles
They can do that.

Star Coach maintains the highest standards of hygiene, with thorough cleaning and sanitization protocols in place before and after every trip.

City tour bus

  1. Transport services
  2. Bus packages
  3. Private group transport
  4. Hourly bus rental
  5. Senior group travel
  6. Team travel
  7. Transport services
  8. Bus packages
  9. Private group transport
  10. Hourly bus rental
  11. Senior group travel
  12. Team travel
  13. Transport services
  14. Bus packages
  15. Private group transport
  16. Hourly bus rental
  17. Senior group travel
  18. Team travel
  19. Transport services
  20. Bus packages
What sets Star Coach apart is their attention to detail. No problem.

Motor coach rental

  • Team travel
  • Transport services
  • Bus packages
  • Private group transport
  • Long-distance bus
  • Sightseeing bus
  • Hourly bus rental
  • Senior group travel
  • Team travel
  • Transport services
  • Bus packages
  • Private group transport
  • Long-distance bus
  • Sightseeing bus
  • Hourly bus rental
  • Senior group travel


One testimonial, in particular, stands out from a company that organized a large-scale conference. You'll find an intuitive booking platform where you can specify your travel dates, destination, and the number of passengers. With its sleek exterior and spacious interior, you're in for a ride that combines the best of modern luxury with the reliability and safety you demand.

Vancouver Party Bus Rentals

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

Vancouver Exclusive Coach Service

It's a game-changer. Moreover, Star Coach often runs promotions and discounts, especially for early bookings or off-peak periods, allowing you to enjoy even more value. They offer insights and recommendations, enhancing your itinerary with hidden gems and must-see spots that only locals know about. You'll find their commitment to comfort, style, and safety isn't just lip service; it's woven into the very fabric of their service.

Motor coach rental

  • Senior group travel
  • Team travel
  • Transport services
  • Bus packages
  • Private group transport
  • Comfortable bus rental
  • Charter transportation
  • Crew shuttle
  • Long-distance bus
  • Sightseeing bus
  • Hourly bus rental
  • Senior group travel
  • Team travel
  • Transport services
  • Bus packages
  • Private group transport
  • Comfortable bus rental


Imagine stepping onto a bus where the ambiance, services, and amenities are all customized to reflect your personal style or event theme. Furthermore, Star Coach's commitment to flexibility means you can adjust your plans as needed. Star Coach prides itself on transparency, so you won't have to worry about hidden fees.

Community bus service

  1. Private group transport
  2. Motor coach rental
  3. Comfortable bus rental
  4. Charter transportation
  5. Crew shuttle
  6. Long-distance bus
  7. Sightseeing bus
  8. Hourly bus rental
  9. Senior group travel
  10. Team travel
  11. Transport services
  12. Bus packages
  13. Private group transport
  14. Motor coach rental
  15. Comfortable bus rental
  16. Charter transportation
  17. Crew shuttle
  18. Long-distance bus
  19. Sightseeing bus
  20. Hourly bus rental


You'll be in safe hands with our professional drivers who've undergone extensive background checks and possess years of experience navigating Vancouver's streets. We encourage you to join us in our efforts by minimizing waste and opting for digital ticketing and communication options whenever possible.

Hourly bus rental

  1. Private group transport
  2. Senior group travel
  3. Team travel
  4. Transport services
  5. Bus packages
  6. Private group transport
  7. Senior group travel
  8. Team travel
  9. Transport services
  10. Bus packages
  11. Private group transport
  12. Senior group travel
  13. Team travel
  14. Transport services
  15. Bus packages
  16. Private group transport
Community bus service There's no doubt you'll feel a sense of pride when you step aboard, knowing you're experiencing one of the finest modes of travel available.

You'll get a detailed quote with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what you're paying for. When you choose to travel with these luxury buses, you're opting for a mode of transportation that maximizes passenger capacity without sacrificing the environment.

Private bus rental

  1. Senior group travel
  2. Team travel
  3. Transport services
  4. Bus packages
  5. Private group transport
  6. Crew shuttle
  7. Long-distance bus
  8. Sightseeing bus
  9. Hourly bus rental
  10. Senior group travel
  11. Team travel
  12. Transport services
  13. Bus packages
  14. Private group transport
  15. Crew shuttle
  16. Long-distance bus
  17. Sightseeing bus
  18. Hourly bus rental
  19. Senior group travel
Need a tour guide to provide insights during your journey?

Vancouver Exclusive Coach Service
Chauffeured Executive Coach Vancouver

Chauffeured Executive Coach Vancouver

Each bus in their fleet isn't just a mode of transport; it's a statement of luxury and reliability. You're not just moving from point A to B; you're embarking on a scenic voyage, where every turn presents a new picture-perfect panorama. You'll notice that Star Coach's pricing model is transparent, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges.

Motor coach rental

  • Sightseeing bus
  • Hourly bus rental
  • Senior group travel
  • Team travel
  • Transport services
  • Bus packages
  • Private group transport
  • City tour bus
  • Motor coach rental
  • Comfortable bus rental
  • Charter transportation
  • Crew shuttle
  • Long-distance bus
  • Sightseeing bus
  • Hourly bus rental
  • Senior group travel
  • Team travel
  • Transport services
  • Bus packages
Rest assured, planning your journey with Star Coach is the first step toward a remarkable travel experience.

The seats themselves are more than just a place to sit; they're plush retreats that let you relax, work, or socialize in total comfort. You're not just renting a bus; you're crafting unforgettable memories with a touch of luxury. Or maybe you're keen to soak in the natural beauty of Stanley Park, followed by a sunset beach visit?

Comfortable bus rental

  1. Team travel
  2. Transport services
  3. Bus packages
  4. Private group transport
  5. Sightseeing bus
  6. Hourly bus rental
  7. Senior group travel
  8. Team travel
  9. Transport services
  10. Bus packages
  11. Private group transport
  12. Sightseeing bus
  13. Hourly bus rental
  14. Senior group travel
  15. Team travel


Our goal is to provide a seamless travel experience, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey, knowing that we're navigating the best path for you. Once you step aboard a Star Coach bus, you'll quickly discover the exceptional onboard services that set them apart. You're not just choosing a premium travel option; you're supporting a company that's serious about protecting the environment.

Hourly bus rental

  1. Private group transport
  2. Private bus rental
  3. Event shuttles
  4. Community bus service
  5. Bus leasing
  6. Group tour bus
  7. City tour bus
  8. Motor coach rental
  9. Comfortable bus rental
  10. Charter transportation
  11. Crew shuttle
  12. Long-distance bus
  13. Sightseeing bus
  14. Hourly bus rental
  15. Senior group travel
  16. Team travel
  17. Transport services
  18. Bus packages


From sleek minibuses perfect for smaller, intimate groups to grand tour buses equipped to entertain and accommodate larger parties, there's something for everyone. We've designed our buses with your relaxation in mind. But the entertainment doesn't stop there.

Prestige Group Transportation Vancouver

These aren't your typical gas-guzzlers; they're modern vehicles powered by alternative fuels and advanced systems that significantly reduce emissions. Their dedicated customer service representatives are always on standby to help you plan your travel with ease and efficiency. They're actively working to make every aspect of their operation greener, from digital ticketing to minimize paper waste to implementing energy-efficient lighting in their offices. They're with you every step of the way, from pre-trip planning to post-trip follow-up, ensuring your experience is smooth and hassle-free.

Then there's the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, making highway travel both safer and more relaxing for you. We also invest in advanced safety features and technology to further enhance your security. That's it!

Star Coach has got you covered. You're likely seeking a balance between affordability and high-quality service for your group's travel needs. You'll find yourself at the iconic Stanley Park, breathing in the fresh Pacific air while gazing out at the majestic Totem Poles, a testament to the rich indigenous cultures of the region.

They've taken significant steps to minimize emissions and waste, making a noticeable impact on the environment. Event transportation While Star Coach ensures your wallet is well cared for with competitive pricing, they also prioritize the planet by offering eco-friendly transportation options. You won't need designated drivers, and the party starts the moment you board.

Prestige Group Transportation Vancouver
Exclusive VIP Bus Service Vancouver
Exclusive VIP Bus Service Vancouver

Diving into the heart of luxury, the executive fleet at Star Coach boasts an array of features designed to meet the highest standards of comfort and sophistication. It's not just about getting from point A to B; it's about elevating the entire experience.

Comfortable bus rental

  1. Charter transportation
  2. Crew shuttle
  3. Long-distance bus
  4. Sightseeing bus
  5. Hourly bus rental
  6. Senior group travel
  7. Team travel
  8. Transport services
  9. Bus packages
  10. Private group transport
  11. Group tour bus
  12. City tour bus
  13. Motor coach rental
  14. Comfortable bus rental
  15. Charter transportation
  16. Crew shuttle
  17. Long-distance bus
Whether it's a corporate event, a wedding, or a scenic tour around Vancouver, their fleet stands ready to elevate your group travel to a level of luxury that's hard to find elsewhere. You'll appreciate that their buses are equipped with the latest in fuel-efficient technology. 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.
Noise-canceling technology wraps you in a bubble of tranquility, making the bustling city outside seem worlds away. Furthermore, we adhere to all local and national safety regulations, regularly updating our protocols to meet the highest standards. No problem. Whether you're planning a corporate event, a wedding, or a scenic tour, we've got a pricing plan that'll suit your needs.
Choosing Star Coach means you're opting for a travel experience that's unmatched in elegance and reliability. It's clear that Star Coach isn't just meeting expectations; they're exceeding them. Each tour is meticulously curated to showcase the best of Vancouver, from the lush beauty of Stanley Park to the historic cobblestone streets of Gastown. Read more about Vancouver Luxury Bus Hire here Think professional, courteous drivers, onboard Wi-Fi to keep you connected, and even concierge services to cater to your every whim.
Let's create your memorable journey together. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about enjoying the journey without breaking the bank. Star Coach understands the essence of group dynamics and tailors services to meet your needs, whether it's for corporate events, school field trips, or leisurely tours. After exploring what makes Star Coach Bus Rentals a trusted choice for travelers, it's time to see how they can elevate your Vancouver adventure.

Prestige Bus Rental Vancouver

In recent years, an impressive 60% of luxury bus rentals in Vancouver have been attributed to Star Coach, a company that's quickly become synonymous with the epitome of travel opulence. Their easy booking process, competitive pricing, and experienced staff set them apart, promising not just a ride, but an experience tailored to your specific requirements. At Star Coach, we're committed to providing you with a tailored luxury experience that exceeds your expectations. You'll find that the fleet is meticulously curated to suit various group sizes and preferences.
We're committed to providing a seamless booking experience, mirroring the exceptional quality of travel you can expect with us. How about entertainment systems for a long ride with kids?

British Columbia

  • Community bus service
  • Bus leasing
  • Group tour bus
  • City tour bus
  • Motor coach rental
  • Comfortable bus rental
  • Charter transportation
  • Crew shuttle
  • Long-distance bus
  • Sightseeing bus
  • Hourly bus rental
  • Senior group travel
  • Team travel
  • Transport services
  • Bus packages
  • Private group transport
  • Community bus service
  • Bus leasing
  • Group tour bus
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.
They know that budget plays a crucial role in planning any event or corporate travel. The onboard amenities, including clean and spacious restrooms, add an extra layer of convenience, ensuring your travel experience isn't just comfortable but thoroughly enjoyable. Mark, who organized a corporate retreat with Star Coach, mentioned, 'It's rare you find a service that impresses your bosses and supports eco-friendly practices.
They ensure your safety and comfort throughout the journey, adding a personal touch that makes the trip memorable. Star Coach Bus Rentals consistently impresses with its wide range of vehicle options, ensuring you'll find the perfect fit for your group's needs. Star Coach's move to include Luxury Prevost H3-45 coaches in their fleet isn't just about offering top-tier comfort and style; it's a nod towards sustainability.

Explore Vancouver Luxury Bus Hire here
Prestige Bus Rental Vancouver
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

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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.

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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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