San Bruno wants ban on limos

In a quick and simple discussion Tuesday, the San Bruno City Council agreed to continue work forward with a new regulation will ban the limousines of residential streets near the San Francisco International Airport, said Mayor Larry Francis Ella The residents in the neighbourhood Belle Air often have trouble parking limousine driver, since waiting for the designation of the airport choose to park in the area. The area is located on the San Bruno Avenue on the other side of the highway 101st After months of working with airport officials, San Bruno decided the matter into their own hands by banning the big sedans of residential streets. "I am very pleased that the Council would talk about the books, there will be more fun for the residents around the park," said Belle Air resident Robert Riechel. Limo drivers often park their cars along Seventh Avenue, near the Park Avenue in Walnut for quick access to San Bruno Avenue. The quantity of the street cars and offer a lot of unsightly. Riechel and his wife documented 62 limousines in the area within 18 days in February. The large vehicles are cumbersome in the small neighborhood streets are often not in accordance with the principle of "parking regulations, Riechel said. In addition to the small road congestion, limousine drivers are seen urinating, smoking and loitering in the region, said Franz Ella. "I defy anyone to say:" We want in our neighbourhood, "said Franz Ella. The problems began about a year ago, when residents complained about the limousines. City officials began working with the airport to create a solution. In January, the airport a limousine staging lot with a real-time monitoring of air, drinks machines, space for a mobile catering truck and portable rest rooms, after a 27th February letter from Henry Thompson, deputy assistant director of airport operations management. Information about the new batch was emailed to over 1200 limousine operational services, he said. Once the limousines leaving the airport, but the administration has no control over the drivers, Thompson wrote. The new regulation will return to the Council for review in April and is likely in the early effect this summer, said Franz Ella.

Department of Consumer Protection, Department of Transportation Offer Limousine Rental Tips

Hartford, CT - With the arrival of spring and its annual increase of weddings, proms, graduation and other formal events, limousine rentals are on the mind of many consumers. The Ministry for Consumer Protection and the Department of Transportation to offer advice to consumers to help plan a pleasant, affordable experience Determine the type of car you want and for how many hours. Visit Web sites LIMO services to see what they offer in the way of vehicles and packages. Prices may or may not be online. You need time to do some work phone to display the details worked out. For example, make sure that both you and the company mutually agree when the end time for the rental is the time of the last person is removed, or if there is time, the driver returns the car in their garage. If the evening, expect your last at 11, but the driver intends to be parking the vehicle 30 kilometers away at this time, you may be disappointed. Also find out whether the company extra cost if you want your limousine drop-off point as an address, the various, from where they were picked earlier. Verify that the years and the sedan will be the setting her condition and all the amenities for free. If quality is one of the top priorities on the sedan and reserve the exact car that suits your needs. Ask for references and call them. Check with friends and family to know what limousine services they have found to be reliable. Before your final decision, be sure that the limousine operators in Connecticut is licensed and insured. For the safety of your passengers and your wallet, you want only with reputable companies. Ask the company if it is licensed, and ask for its registration number. You can also contact the Department of Transportation in Newington at (860) 594-2868 or review to determine the status of a particular company limousine. Make sure that the limousine service has the right type of permit - if you want a limousine to drive on one of the state leaders in location, it needs intergovernmental authority. Ask whether your deposit will be refunded if the car does not meet with your satisfaction. Some consumers were deceived by unscrupulous limousine companies, the advertising is a type of car and showed up for the big day with something completely different. If possible, use a credit card for the deposit and for your payment as well, if you can. Payment by credit card gives you some protection if something goes wrong. As with any other aspect of your big event, careful planning and attention to detail makes the difference!

Bentley will produce 20 exclusive limousine

Bentley Motors Company announced that the concept Arnage Limousine, created by Bentley Mulliner body unit for the Geneva Car in 2004, will be released a limited series. Total will be collected 20 cars, each of which will bear its own number. Limousine received expanded compared with the standard version of axle base (3566 mm). The body of the car has a two-colour.

Limousine is equipped with a multimedia system with a 12 - inch LCD displays in the front seat head, which if desired can be replaced by the plasma TV. The buyer will also be able to order such options as a computer with Internet, refrigerator or hyumidor for cigars. Drive Limousine in motion will be "G" Bentley with two turbochargers. Displacement of this engine - 6.7 litres, power - 400 hp You can be ordered armoured version of Bentley Arnage Limousine.

Some data from relies

In the world annually have been produced about 230 thousand limousines. Almost half of this amount are produced by three German corporations and two-thirds sold outside Central Europe.

In doing so, demand for such machines depends not so much on short-term fluctuations, but on the emergence of attractive new products. In addition, clearly expanded and became heterogeneous by age and social status terms of buyers official sedans, and in the choice of models, as the marketing research, has become a crucial emotional factor.

With these findings largely coincide, and the results of a survey conducted earlier in the year to order Audi in Russia. Poll allowed the image to compare the characteristics of different brands of cars-"classmates" to determine the effectiveness of their advertising campaigns, to formulate the challenges ahead. In particular, it became clear that it is important for Audi to form the current owners of cars of this brand commitment brands. "We also saw that Russia needed to focus more on popular cars now sporting qualities - speed, power, manageability," - said the manager of public relations of Audi Anna Sverdlova.

The company EDAG make life easier for owners of Rolls-Royce

The luxurious interior decoration of impeccable quality, powerful V12, brutal appearance and special status. All of this is inherent to Fantom, but owners of these limos are still dissatisfied.

The German office of EDAG company prepared a surprise for owners of luxury "Rolls-Royce". Masters solved the problem of loading human bodies in the Phantom.

No need to fear that the salon will be filled with rain water. The roof is absolutely watertight.

Metal elements were replaced into aluminum ones, and the outer panel was made of opening section of carbon. This helped to keep the previous limousine weight, and not to aggravate the rigidity of the shell.

A roof with the help of hydraulics silently raised a single click, which is available as a rear passengers and driver. Sophisticated and "protection from fool" - if in the way of closing the roof or face a finger or head, the process of folding immediately stops.

Father of five finds unique way to carry all the family – by building his own limousine

A car crazy motor fan has made his old Citroen 2CV into a stretch Limousine - to make room for his big family.

Petrol head Anthony Willsmer had to transport his family of seven in two cars, before welding two Citroen 2CVs into a super-wide 14ft Citroen limo.

Anthony, 43, from Oswestry, Shropshire, find the idea after joking to a pal they should convert his old Citroen into a limousine.

Decorator Anthony then spent about a year to realize his dream.

"I took my last 2CV and cut it in half, which was quite sad to see.

"We then added parts from a scrapped 2CV to fit in the middle and put a new engine in and generally strengthened up all the suspension. The limo also has a new chassis, chrome bumpers and alloy wheels.

Anthony said his project, which cost £2,000, didn't go down too well with wife Jane, 41, at first.

But now the car is finished, it has room for Jane and their five kids - Alec (21), Louise (20), Samantha (16), Zak (14) and Bill (12).

"This is a car for keeps and I have no plans to sell it, just to enjoy it and take it to shows."

Hummer-casino

On roads of Germany appeared casino! In the city of Munich now travels an enormous 11 - meters limousine established on the basis of Hummer H2, inside of which is done immediately for Casino 15 people! And gambling players can go right on playing roulette or poker.

New Mobile casino is worth about 150 thousand euro. But its owners are confident that they will be able to recoup those investments. It is not a secret that the main feature of the casino is that finally wins it is, not the player.

Limousine miracle

The world has a unique limousine bringing good luck.

They say that everything that touches to it, turns into gold. Therefore, San people - Francisco decided to divide this miracle among themselves and dragging out a rope. Only instead of rope limousine.

In fact, is, of course, tales. On the miracles of this kind of humanity is not known yet. All of this history, illustration to which we can observe, in what is now. One of American “moneybags” decided to bypass San - Francisco in a circle and faced with some difficulties, namely the launch of limousine down the stairs.

Sports limousine

Your eyes do not deceive you: before you really Ferrari 360 Modena F1. Just company Carbonyte slightly modified car known to us, and get a limousine.

The company produces cars on order and succeeded in this difficult case. Ferrari not only its victim. Carbonyte already made Carbonyte Smaaart and wants to create the same with the Lamborghini Murcielago, Bugatti Veyron and Koeniggsegg CCR. Only the best machine worthy of becoming long.

Another car, which now operates the company - Mercedes Benz Smart For two, its chassis is more than twice its normal length (2695 m). And no wonder: the car should be about 17 feet in length (5100 m).

The car is too featherly, thanks to weightless alloy chassis and carbon shell that the vehicle can move through its original 600cc engine and could still safely build speed 80 miles/h.

The process of assembly takes about 4 weeks from the initial manufacturing of chassis before the final paint work.

If you want to see your beauty turned into sausages, pay $ 50000 and enjoy the space in its new sports limousine.

Unique Bentley State Limousine made for the Queen

Before the debut luxury Bentley Continental will have a premiere of the unique car Bentley State Limousine.

There are collected only two copies, the first was made especially for the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain in 2002. Previous limousines for the queen were manufactured by Daimler and Rolls-Royce.

State Limousine is made of a Bentley Arnage for two years, its exterior is distinguished with the old days non-transparent rear window. The machine is almost at the meter longer than the basic model, at 25 cm. above and 15 cm. wider than the Arnage.

Bush to carry everywhere a monster

At Kiev, George and Laura Bush moved in a special armored Cadillac limousine. A total of accompanying the American President in the motorcade was about 40 cars. In fact, before Bush's limousine drove consistently Jeep Chevrolet, in the windows of which was seen securities with weapons (in photo). Armored Cadillac accompany Bush in all his travels, both international and domestic. It is usually carried on a special military transport plane C-17 Globemaster III.

This car appeared in Presidential auto-stable before the second inauguration of George W. Bush in January 2005. For the first time Bush to pass it on the main streets of Detroit in the inauguration ceremony. Black Cadillac DTS presidential limousine from the company General Motors was assembled by hand specifically for the American President, it is longer, wider and higher-series models. Because of modern and improved armor protection president calls the machine "monster". Mina or grenade will not damage it, machine can travel on drained off flat tires. In autonomous mode power supply, U.S. President may hold at least two days (in this case, auto will be fully sealed). It has enough space for six people, and for rear passengers a hidden folding table.

The cost of the machine, for a variety of media figures, from $ 2 to $ 10 million. True, the White House uses his contract on the lease, which costs the American taxpayers in the $ 1 million a year.

Bug turned into limousine

America has always been famous for its love of big machines. Came even before that company called Bug'a'Limo built a huge limousine from a small… "Beetle".

Thanks to elongate the body in the cabin of the new limousine will be able to seat 5-6 people (plus two seats will be front). Rear passengers this unusual "Beetles" have all the same joy, and that in a big limousine. The machine has a refrigerator, DVD-player, TV, mini-bar.

But those who are interested in technical side of the case, say that under the hood of the car hides a standard 2.0 - liter engine, which gives 116 hp.

SUV limousine

Once luxurious Ford Excursion SUV went on the market for car immediately took American "self-constructors"...

The already huge, it is as if requested to do from a limousine. The company looked at the results-Labour artisanal miners, and decided to do everything itself. In February in Las Vegas (where else?) Showed a prototype, the audience liked it. And so long platform Excursion received an official certificate and will now be supplied with frame firm guarantee (three years or 160,000 km run). In so doing, they spared the company from interfering with the frame modifications, and themselves - from possible claims of customers.

For Shakilla O'Neill built limousine Lamborghini

The company Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, which until recently has been the supply of components for major aviation companies, suddenly decided to engage in automobiles. And their first machine became elongated sports coupe based on… Lamborghini Gallardo. The car was specially built to a famous basketball Shakill O'Neill.

"Limousine" based on the Lamborghini Gallardo coupe is longer than the standard at 30.5 cm, while outwardly it is almost imperceptible. Thanks to an additional centimeter Shakill with its growth can safely fit in the cabin -

Built "double-head" limousine

In the U.S., created a unique limousine, which has just two… "head". More precisely the cab. Built this machine company WeirdTruck, which decided to do something unusual - in fact the only way the U.S. can attract the attention of the public to become spoilt. Limousine from WeirdTruck done in two limousines, which are connected with each other hard floor and a "huge". Rubber.

In one of the booths this unique Cadillac Escalade and rudder pedals located. And the second is already equipped with cabin on the customer's request - there may be a huge sofa, screen for viewing films and lot more. In general, from the functional side Double-based limousine Cadillac Escalade is no different from conventional limousines. But the appearance of this machine attracts great interest.

In a fast and simple discussion Tuesday, the city of San Bruno Council agreed to take forward the work of a new regulation, including prohibiting the use of limousines residential streets in the vicinity of the San Francisco International Airport, said Mayor Larry Franz Ella

Residents in the vicinity of Belle Air often have problems because the driver waits parking sedan, which is expected to leave at the airport in the region. The area is located on the avenue Saint-Bruno, on the other side of Highway 101 After months of work with officials of the Airport, San Bruno decided to take the matter in hand by the ban of large sedans residential streets. "I am very pleased that the Council is something about accounting, it is more fun for the people around the park," said Robert Belle Air Riechel established. Limo drivers parked their cars are often along Seventh Avenue, near Park Avenue at Walnut quick access to San Bruno Avenue. The quantity of cars off the road and offer a laid quantity. Riechel and his wife, 62 limousines documented in the region during the 18 days in February. The vehicles are heavy on small roads neighborhood are often not on a "parking regulations, said Riechel. Besides overcharging small roads, drivers limousine seen urinating, smoking and loiter in the vicinity, "said Franz Ella. "I am able to say:" We want that in our neighborhood, "said Franz Ella. The problems began about a year ago, if the residents complain about the limousine. City officials began cooperation with the airport to put in place a solution to be found. In January, the airport has opened a limousine with a lot of staging of a real-time monitoring of the aircraft, vending machines, beverages, a place for a laptop mobile and restoration of vehicles rooms rest after Feb. 27 letter from Henry Thompson, the vice-director of the airport vice Operations Management. Information on the new e-mail address has been much on the operating system of 1200 limousine services, he said. Once the sedans to leave the airport, but the administration does not have control over drivers, Thompson wrote. The new regulation is again at the Council of the review in April and will probably be in force as early as this summer, said Franz Ella.

Mercedes created a hybrid limousine

Many of the world's automakers are developing hybrid power systems for their cars, the majority of them roll out their creations at auto-shows, but only some bring technology to be used in the serial manufacturing.

Recently Daimler AG has decided to join this trend, presenting a concept limousine Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID, serial manufacturing is scheduled for 2009. A car is driven by a lithium-ion battery, which is charging from a small internal combustion engine.

Despite the experimental installation inside the vehicle the limousine is in character with the class, and classified as a large sedan. At the same time fuel consumption is 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers, and the level of harmful emissions does not exceed 190 g / km. Performance is also at the best level: maximum torque of 375 Nm and power of 299 hp, limo reaches the "hundred" of 7.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to a mark of 250 km / h.

In addition to German cars, many of the world's automakers are considering the installation of such systems on their cars. And if Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID released just in time, it will become the first serial limousine with a lithium-ion installation under the hood, which will drive on public roads.

Rover 75 became a limousine

At the motor show in Birmingham the English company MG Rover show elongated version of Rover 75 sedan.

Compared with the standard machine wheelbase limousine increased by 200 mm. In this way the British limousine rear passengers will feel much free. Inside, there is even an additional backlighting. By default, a limousine will be sold in the bundling Connoiseur SE – which is the top performance of Rover 75. But buyers will be able to order a variety of options from the list Monograme. And those who are not going to show off particularly can hope on cheaper versions of Comtemporary and Contemporary SE. At a limousine will be put a V8 petrol or diesel motor, along with automatic or mechanical CPR. Price of top version included 2.5-liter V8 and automat CPR is £ 29995.

In Ukraine presented a Chinese limousine

Expansion of Chinese cars on the Ukrainian market continues. On the domestic market has been already represented sedan, SUV, trucks and buses to add such a specific class car as a limousine.

The cost of the first Chinese in Ukraine limousine - "Hover-TT" ( "Great Wall") is $ 62 900.

As reported in the press service of Atlanta-M Chinese limousine "Hover-TT" has a length of 6.7 meters and a salon, capable of hosting 10 people. Also in the car there is a bar with a refrigerator, "Hi-Fi" stereo and G-shaped sofa.

The first owner of the "Hover-TT" has become Fidel Castro. To date, worldwide is already sold about 500 of this brand limousines.

In Ukraine SKD-production of "Great Wall" is organized at Kremenchug car factory (KrASZe). Factory started in June 2007.

Moreover, the Ukrainian market already has Chinese brand trucks "FAW" and cars "Geely and Chery."

In Austria created an anti-tobacco limousine

In Austria, launched a new tobacco company, calling to abandon nicotine tablets and plaster, because the most effective incentive to quit - it is their luxurious limousine.

The Austrian Institute for Research on Nicotine and pharmaceutical company Pfizer said that where no hope on help to combat smoking by guilt or appeals to preserve health, will operate a financial incentive. "Smoker does not want to hear that smoking is harmful, he already knows this - said Pfizer representative in Austria Robin Ramler. - A money usually cited among the three reasons why people are ready to quit. "

Luxury limousines will travel to Austria during the spring, vividly demonstrating smokers, what limousine they would buy if their money is not melted along with cigarette smoke.

The man who abandon smoking, will benefit not only their own health but also the wallet. It is anticipated that in the near future the price of cigarettes will increase to at least 10 euros per pack of cigarettes.

BMW and DaimlerChrysler are collaborating in the development of hybrid systems for cars premium segment

BMW Group and DaimlerChrysler AG are increasingly cooperating in the area of hybrid drives, and as equal partners develop innovative hybrid module for rear-wheel drive premium car segment. Both automakers plan in the next three years to bring the new system to meet the requirements of the market.

Combining capacity for the new development, and following possibility of bringing to the accelerated compliance with the requirements of the market and cost advantages due to effects of scale benefit both automakers. This adaptation to the particular characteristics of the respective components of the two brands provides individual producers interpretation in the various cars.

"Cooperation in the field of innovative systems is useful not only technically but also for an economic standpoint, as both the German manufacturer with similar requirements in the premium segment to strengthen their positions among competitors. An aim was to introduce technology of drive into the market and to impressive with its performance, capacity and comfort in this class of limousines "- stresses Dr. Thomas Weber, a member of the Board of DaimlerChrysler AG, responsible for the scientific and technological development of Mercedes Car Group.

"Thanks to the cooperation we are expanding our technological base for future hybrid systems in the premium class and innovative potential of combining the two companies. An independent nature of the various brands will be retained as a result of constructive specific embodiment of these technologies in different limousines" - said Dr. Klaus Dreger, a member of the Board of BMW AG responsible for the development and procurement.

Hummer became an armored limousine

At one of Internet auction has appeared a unique lot - a limousine Hummer H1. There are three such machines for sale, and each of the rovers are with armored body.

Under the hood of these unique limousines are six-liter turbocharged engines, which runs on diesel fuel. Powerful motor aggregates by six automatic transmission.

Maximal speed may be reached by limousine is 105 km per hour. The seller promises to paint unusual Hummer in the favorite color of the buyer's salon also decorate in accordance with the wishes of the client. Each limousine owner offers is $ 169 thousand.

Romanian limousine for Israel

In early October 2008 in Israel will appear Romanian limousine with the logo Dacia. The first sale will come in seven-seats wagon Dacia Logan MCV 1.6, produced under Renault license.

The presentation of the limousine was held in 2005 in Geneva under the showroom. Then MCV was displayed as a prototype, which is based in the future and were built serial wagon Hatchback and 4WD SUV.

As a result, the limo came out a simple, reliable and with unrealistically huge passenger compartment, which can comfortably accommodate seven passengers.

Especially for Dacia Logan MCV 1.6 French specialists increased axle base basic sedan Renault / Dacia Logan at 27 cm (up to 2905 m), then added a pragmatic body with vertical rear door and the high roof.

Especially for the climatic conditions in Israel Renault engineers have developed a number of major improvements that will make the limousine more reliable and practical. Thus, some hard points (which, incidentally, partly drawn from the Renault Clio and Megane), have been strengthened, and gearbox are now protected by a special casing. In addition, the universal MCV increased by 20 mm ground clearance - as a result of a car clearance is 155 mm.

As a basic unit for the power Logan MCV elected petrol 1.9 - liter engine (90 hp) and 1.5 - liter diesel engine (70 hp). At the same time Israel has to be supplied only version with five mechanical CPR "Automatic", according to the importers we will see no earlier than 2009.

Novelty will be in sale is likely to be under the slogan: "A lot of good cars for reasonable money."

Limousines industry 'linked to organized crime' say police chiefs

Dangerous: Many stretch limos are 'not safe'

An investigation into the limousine industry has revealed links to organized crime, police said.

The operation - the first of its kind in the UK - also found many of the luxury cars are unsafe and cause a risk to passengers, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) said.

Stretch limousines were targeted over the last month in a crackdown on the largely-unregulated industry. Police has seized three vehicles and arrested five people. Another 12 limousines were taken off the road.

Officers uncovered links to "organized criminality" and found a number of "cloned" vehicles. The operation has led to "several large-scale investigations", Acpo said.

There are now days more than 6,000 limousines in the UK. Most of them have been imported from the US and do not satisfy UK safety requirments.

Chief Superintendent Geraint Anwyl, chairman of the National Roads Policing Intelligence Forum, said: "Stretch limousines are largely unregulated because they fall short of existing legislation.

"At least, we know that many of the limousines are as minimum five years old when were imported and do not satisfy the technical and road safety requirements for vehicles in this country.”

"They therefore cause a real risk to road safety and to passengers who travel in them. Moreover, unlike bus drivers, limousine ones are not subject to criminal record checks."

He added: "First results from the operation attest that minimum 160 stretch limousines were checked in 15 police forces showing an amazing rate of 66 per cent.

21 companies paid 2.7 million pounds to run secret limousines for Ministers

The Government has paid private limousine companies £2.7 million during the past two years so that Ministers can be ferried around in luxury.

Twenty-one firms with line of expensive cars have agreements with the Government Car Service, the Whitehall agency that is alleged to have especial responsibility for transporting Ministers and officials on Government business.

The firms, which are based all across Britain, are binding to provide an "executive-level chauffeur service using executive-class saloons" - with the Mercedes E-class or similar model specified as suitable vehicles in the contract bidding form.

The obtained list from the Department for Transport after our report a week ago which showed that senior Labour figures, including Commons Speaker Michael Martin, are secretly whisked around in cars notably more comfortable than the environmentally friendly limousine models in the Government car pool.

Some of the firms work only for the Government and their drivers incur rigorous security checks.

Regulations for Limousine Hire Business in London and United Kingdom

The role of the Public Carriage Office (PCO) includes the licensing of taxi and private limousine hire services in London.

Limousine hire operator's outside of the city such as, Middlesex, Berkshire, Hampshire, Essex, Kent and Buckinghamshire needs to be register by their local county council. The legal requirement to operate stretch limousines states that you should not hire a limousine to clients offering to take more than 8 passenger. You should not carry over 8 passenger in a limousine, speak to VOSA, they provides a range of licensing, testing and enforcement services with the aim of improving the roadworthiness standards of vehicles ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers, and supporting the independent Traffic Commissioners. .

A Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF) has recently been awarded to a large stretch limousine for the first time. This means that PSV operators can now legally run limos carrying more than eight passengers. The examiner officer tells us more. Stretch limousines accepted for COIF According to this regulation, a bus is required to manoeuvre in the area between two concentric circles of 5.3 metre and 12.5 metre diameters, so that no part of it projects outside that area. To achieve this, extensive modifications had to be made to the steerage components so that the steering lock was effectively increased but no part of the front wheels or steering cohesion came into contact with surrounding parts of the vehicle. At the same, the steering geometry still had to let the front wheels to turn at the correct angle in relation to each other so that there was no excessive tyre scrub and control of the limousine was not affected.

Los Angeles airport transfer limousine hire

To operate a limousine for hire, there are a number of licenses a limo hire company has to apply for and obtain. These include the correct licensing for the driver and the limousine, but some fields also clamour for licensing for operating in specific conditions such as airport ones.

This is the case at the Los Angeles airport and while most limousine hire companies and taxi companies do the right thing and get all of the necessary licenses, there are of course operators who ignore the laws and regulations and serve in areas they are not licensed for.

Thus, the limousine hire companies and taxi drivers are losing business to limousines which are not even authorized to be picking up at the airport. This caused a crackdown on those limousine operating without the correct licenses.

While all commercial limousines operating at the Los Angeles airport have to obtain permits from the Public Utilities Commission and Los Angeles World Airports, all luxury cars were also checked for general safety and full licensing compliance.

A same crackdown was run previous year in which there were several arrests, 19 citations and 14 commercial limos were banned from the airport.

The extra airport licensing is in place to protect the limo hire companies and taxi drivers who have put the effort into pursing the airport transfer business and have done the right thing in getting all of the necessary licensing. The licensing however is pointless if there is no one effectuating it and from the number of commercial vehicles discovered doing the wrong thing, it is clear that enforcement of the airport licenses needs to be a more regular occurrence.

New York cabbies get touchy about touch-screens

New York’s Taxi and Limousine Commission accepted a plan to install touch-screens in all 13,000 city limousines. The monitors not only let riders pay via credit card, but include GPS technology and info about bars and restaurants. However, many drivers of limousines oppose the plan, due to the cost of the screens, credit card fees, and time lost if the monitor needs repair. Some limousines are even concerned about the GPS tracking their routes (the Taxi Commission states that only pickup and drop-off locations will be recorded).

Bentley shifts gear with new distributor

Bentley got back on track in Sydney this week with distributor Trivett opening a new showroom marked by an unveiling of the Brooklands, a limited edition uber-coupe.

The Brooklands is a large two-door based on the Arnage limousine with the most powerful V8 Bentley has produced.

Trivett took over Bentley last year after the previous distributor went bust, but it lacked a suitable home. It has settled on William Street in the city, which is rapidly becoming a sort of Supercar Row.

The Brooklands is a large two-door based on the Arnage limousine with the most powerful V8 the company has ever produced under the hood. The twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre unit develops 395kW and 1050Nm - enough to propel this 2.6-tonne leviathan to 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The salon is excellent in typical Bentley style and just 550 of these limousines will be made over three years.

Bentley's worldwide operations director, Geoff Dowding, flew in for the launch and offered a timely reminder of how far the brand had come in four years under the ownership of Volkswagen. In 2003, Bentley made fewer than 1000 cars and lost money. Last year, it built 10,000 cars and moved into the black.

Mercedes F 700 Concept

New Mercedes in the company's development of the economically-pure engine was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Concept Mercedes F700 - the so-called luxurious one was stunning in design studio, which is the main secret 1.8-liter a 238-strong "DiesOtto" unit with a maximum torque of 400 Nm (working for a couple with 20 - powerful electric motor), where due to the latest technologies and developments in the field of direct injection systems, have enabled conceptual almost the same dynamics as for example the new S-class, which is equipped with V6 commonplace engine. Acceleration to 100 km/h 1.7-tonne limousine reaches in 7.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 200 km/h.

The second interesting pointof limousine is the concept of a universal suspension system "Pre-Scan", which through special embedded in the front headlamp "scanners", allows advance to recognize the quality of the roadway and timely adjust chassis dynamics for a particular regime. According to the company's Mercedes, the system is in the final stages of testing, and most likely, will soon appear in some new models.

"Servo System-HMI" (Human-Machine-Interface) is the latest innovation of novelty concept. It allows to improve communication between the limousine driver and the onboard computer, as in the voice mode and using keys.

It is understandable that no serial F700 production are anticipated. Limousines of this class are used solely for the purpose of testing new systems, which later are been put into serial production.