Chauffeur Drive ’08 in April saw the biggest array of coachbuilders in the world gather to exhibit the newest vehicles and latest innovations to the limousine industry, and for some, a record amount of deals were signed showing a positive future for the business.

Manufacturers such as Royale, Krystal UK, Hummerzine, Executive Coach Builders and Federal all displayed the latest vehicles such as Chrysler 300, Hummer H3’s and Lincoln Town Cars, with the industry debut of the Hummerzine, the world’s first Hummer H2 which now holds a Certificate Of Initial Fitness (COIF).

Owner of Hummerzine, Danny Cawley commented; “It was an exciting moment to at last display this vehicle to the visitors and get the feedback from them. Most of the people who saw the vehicle loved it and we secured five sales throughout the two-day show.’

Krystal UK displayed it range of SVA’d vehicles on its stand in the form of Hummer H3’s and its stunning Chrysler 300C. Following the companies win in The Chauffeur QSI Awards in the Limousine of the Year category, the Chrysler limousine has been a hit within the industry since the SVA version was introduced in 2007.

Nick Clarke from Krystal UK told us; “It has been a lot of hard work getting this vehicle ready for the industry, and since it received its SVA status, we are delighted with how popular the vehicle has become.’

He added; “Chauffeur Drive ’08 has been a fantastic opportunity to meet many operators and has given them the ideal opportunity to see all our vehicles in one place.’

Royale Limousines famous for its CMC approved Cadillac’s bought the luxury marquee over and showed what the alternative to a Town Car limousine can offer. Its stunning interior and packages offered by its UK agent, A1 Stretch is still a classic marquee and the company has already reported an increase in Cadillac sales within the European market.

Federal Coach which has been famous for the production of funeral vehicles in the USA introduced its stunning Town Car range at the event. UK agent Kenn Appleyard said; “Visitors were really interested as to what Federal can offer, as they already know the manufacturer but not necessarily had the chance to actually see the vehicles.’

He added; “The limousine got some excellent feedback and they were impressed with the overall looks and build quality of the QVM produced Lincoln Town Car.’

Another first was the debut of a whole range of ECB vehicles which proved why the Executive Coach Builders brand is one of the biggest in the world.

Limousine Sales & Service, part of Big Slo Limo Co of Manchester, is one of the leading limousine operators in the North West of England with over 15 years knowledge and experience of limousine sales, service and repair.

Owner Gary Robertson commented; “As a result of the last 2-3 years of successfully importing and selling limousines, we have built up a successful working relationship with Executive Coach Builders of Missouri and Florida.

He added; “This relationship has been mutually beneficial and has enabled us to influence a new product line from ECB based on both Navigators and Expedition vehicles. We are working closely with VOSA and VCA to develop the COIF certificate for Executive Coach Builders on the All New Ford Expeditions 140in QVM and Navigator Limousines.’

The manufacturers new EU Evolution limousine with its showy interior attracted lots of interest and secured many firm orders at Chauffeur Drive ‘08, adding further to its development of sales in Europe. Robertson, currently supplies ECB limousines to the UK and in mainland Europe to Romania, Italy and Belgium.

Also, 1st 4 Limos displayed a range of ECB built Chrysler 300 limousines which are set to receive the SVA certificate. Mark Farrell from 1st 4 Limos commented; “This event really showed how much operators are wanting to purchase legal and quality built limousines. We have worked hard with ECB to develop this product into one of the most stunning limousines available in the market.’

Visitors to the show not looking for a brand-new vehicle had the opportunity to see how they could transform their existing Lincoln Town Car into a vehicle which looks brand new and fresh. Developed by Carbonyte UK, the makers of the Ferrari limo, showed its Bentley look-a-like facelift vehicle which can be added to any older Town Car limousine.

Owner Chris Wright commented; “This is an affordable and exciting way of giving an older limousine and fresh lease of life. The front and rear ends have been developed to give this amazing look to the vehicle which can turn the car into a real earner.’

Inside the hall at Chauffeur Drive ’08 visitors had the chance to stock-up on limousine parts and discover new insurance and finance companies. A variety of government agencies, unions and associations were also on hand in the event unique business start-up workshop, and were given advice and answering questions from those looking to enter the business and those already in it.

The National Limousine and Chauffeur Association and the Institute of Professional Drivers and Chauffeurs were all helping new operators with licensing advice and welcome a large number of new members to the association. The GMB Drivers Union was also on hand, and giving operators even more advice on issues such as driver working hours and sick pay.

Outside the hall, in industry’s first pre-owned gathering of limousines made its debut and was supported and sponsored by American Car Finance. This was the ideal opportunity for new and existing operators to browse round more than a hundred pre-owned limousines.

The organisers are now consulting with all the exhibitors and a selected number of visitors to create an advisory panel, and gather valuable feedback on how the event was run and how it can be further improved for 2009.

On the back of the event’s success, around 80% of exhibitors have pre-booked exhibition space for Chauffeur Drive ’09, which already promises to be a bigger and better event that last months.