Mar 19, 2010 0
Limousines – A Royal Transport Option
Limousines are also known as limos or saloon cars. They are supposed to be a symbol of the rich. Limos are usually driven by chauffeurs. Most of the Heads of the States use limousines as their official vehicle. They are also used for weddings, parties, etc.
The word ‘limousine’ came from French language. The first of its kind of car was built in 1902. ‘Stretch limousines,’ which can be extended in length by the owner or an independent coach builder, came into limelight in 1928 when a coach company named Armbruster built it.
Usually, in limos, there is a glass partition between the chauffeur’s cabin and the rear side. Communication is done through either the window in the partition or by an intercom system.
The major companies which produce limousines are Maybach, Rolls Royce, Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Jaguar, Cadillac etc. The seating capacity of luxury limousines start from 3.
The longest limousine in the world has a length of 100 feet (30 meters). It has got 26 tyres and two driving cabins, one at the front and another at the rear. The seating capacity of this is over forty. It has got facilities such as a Jacuzzi, sun deck, swimming pool, beds and even a helipad.
In some countries like Cuba, limousines are used as taxi services. They do not have the luxuries but they work as a fantastic mode of public transport. Luxury limousine taxi services are seen even in the US which usually has an advance booking system. Some funeral houses also use limos for their purposes. Another trend seen is the conversion of smaller cars into limousines. Volkswagen Beetle, Fiat Pandas, Citroen 2CV, etc are some of the cars which converted commonly.