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Motorcoach manufacturer ABC Companies will soon be the first to offer a motorcoach-diesel-to-electric-repower program for North American operators.
Together with Lightning eMotors, formerly known as Lightning Systems, the partners have created a five-step process for identifying, assessing, and converting a wide range of “donor” diesel coach models that fit the criteria for fast-track battery electric conversion. The repower kits are engineered by Lightning eMotors and will be installed by ABC technicians. The program will launch under ABC Companies SVT (Specialty Vehicles and Technologies) division, underscoring the company’s focus on lowering EV market cost of entry barriers for coach operators.
Lightning eMotors is a leading developer of zero-emission electric powertrains for a wide variety of commercial vehicles and is certified by CARB and multiple OEM chassis certification programs.
“ABC Companies has a very long history of repower and refurbishment expertise, making conversions to battery electric power a logical next step,” said Roman Cornell, president and chief commercial officer of ABC Companies. “By sourcing leading suppliers and manufacturers, we will provide a portfolio of offerings and price points that will enable our customers to accelerate their introduction of zero-emission vehicles into their fleets. Although the pandemic has impacted the motorcoach market, we are working to get traditional vehicles back on the road, while investing now with innovative new solutions which will address customers’ needs for environmentally-friendly vehicles as the industry begins to recover.”
In spite of these challenging times, many ABC customers and the clients they serve are developing strategies to reduce their carbon footprint, a trend that was started well before the pandemic, noted Cornell. With the cost of current options that organizations face to reduce their carbon footprint ranging from clean energy like solar panels to the enormous expense of upgrading or building new energy-efficient facilities, battery-electric coaches suddenly become an attractive lower-cost alternative
Cornell cited reduced total cost of ownership and monetizing older assets as tangible benefits when specifically looking to add EV Repower to fleets.
In addition to providing a full range of motorcoach zero emission vehicle (ZEV) Repower options, ABC will also be an authorized referral agent for repowering many popular shuttle vans and cutaway applications such as the Lightning Ford Transit passenger van, E-450 and F-550 chassis. “The ability to assist in electric repowered solutions for our customers using these popular vehicles made Lightning eMotors a great fit for ABC Companies,” Cornell said. “Many of our customers utilize these smaller vehicles for various short distance routes, such as airport runs and hotel shuttles, as well as last-mile services for smaller groups. These vehicles can provide a lower cost of entry as fleets identify vehicles to be repowered, and we need to be ready to meet those needs.”
The first repowered motorcoach, a 2012 Van Hool T2145 will be going into operation in the San Francisco area this month, while other motorcoach models are being readied as this is written.
ABC will also debut its first fully battery-electric OEM-produced Van Hool motorcoach later in 2020, the Van Hool CX45E. Featured at the 2020 UMA Expo and designed specifically for battery electric power, this new coach from Van Hool will change the way the industry views zero-emissions motorcoach travel.
“We must continually reassess our offering based on customer needs,” Cornell said. “Aligning with the right partners to bring scalable and flexible solutions to our customers is what drives our business strategies. Whether our customer needs an EV passenger van or a double-deck motorcoach, ABC is ready to help any sized fleet operator shape a solution around their resources and requirements for the long-term.”
Visit abc-companies.com for more information.
[11.02.20]
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Have you seen the schedule for the CD/NLA Virtual? The full itinerary for our November 17-18 online event has a wealth of education and networking activities, and new speakers are being announced almost daily. Our CD/NLA Show Education Committee, co-chaired by Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus and Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide, has worked tirelessly to prepare a program to help attendees refocus, diversify, and reset their businesses.
“I am very excited for the upcoming virtual event. While we unfortunately won’t be together in person, we will connect online on some of the most pressing topics facing our industry right now. Personally, I look forward to presenting a two-part seminar on long-term financial planning and forecasting. These sessions will take a deep dive into the ‘here and now’ as well as looking forward to the next 6-12 months and beyond,” says Sharenow.
While you’re checking out our slate of sessions and activities, register today to take advantage of our early-bird rate in effect until Monday, November 2. So, with prices starting at $99 for NLA members and group discounts available, what are you waiting for? Register today before these discounted rates expire.
With your registration, you get access to the full schedule of content, including all educational sessions; networking activities like our Women in the Industry Event, Operator Mentoring Program, and after-hours entertainment cocktail hour; and exclusive Limo University curriculum. On Tuesday, November 17 at 1:00 p.m.ET, Limo U Founder Bill Faeth will be joined by a panel of experienced operators for Going Retail? Here's How 3 of the Industry's Best Are Doing It! Taking part in the discussion are Gary Arrington of 540 Party Bus, Josh Roman of Heaven on Wheels, and Ken Carter of Aadvanced Limousines. Then, at 4:15, Faeth will be joined by his Limo U colleague Chris Wharton for How to Do Social Media... Right! Creating Content People Actually Like. The duo will share secrets on creating memorable and marketable content on the newest social media platforms.
Also at 1:00 on Tuesday, there will also be a mega session intended to help you expand your services and find new clients. Diversifying Your Offerings & Changing Your Mindset to Survive and Thrive will be broken into segments, each covering a different service offerings. Topics include non-emergency medical transport with Sharenow, Tom Arrighi of the A&A Metro Transportation, and Charlie Grimm of BAC Transportation; Department of Defense contracting with Erin Digioia of Windy City Limousine & Bus and Michelle Miller of Elite Coach Transportation; snowbird and elopement transfers with Nina Parson of Company Car & Limousine; employee shuttle services with Brett Barenholtz of Above All Transportation/Boston Car and Jeff Nyikos of Leros Point to Point/Royal Coachman; Amazon package delivery; and much more. This is an all-star session loaded with great opportunities that operators can jump on.
“We are excited to present on the DOD opportunities that are a little hidden gem for bus companies,” says Miller. “Since operators have time on their hands, now is perfect to get the documents in place and tap into a market you have never had the opportunities to look into.”
“We’re looking forward to offering potential new ways to add additional revenue to your business, as well as guidance on who to target and where to market shuttle services,” adds Nyikos.
Another in-depth forum for operators looking to save and generate cash by thinking outside the box is Tuesday’s Unconventional Practices: Leaving Your Comfort Zone with moderator Andy Hernandez of CTA Worldwide and a panel of operators. This three-tiered discussion will include a section on insurance by Chad Peterson of Renee’s Limousine, a look on shared services by Chad Casey of Casey Corporate Transportation, and a lesson on leveraging existing assets from Scott Woodruff of Majestic Limo & Coach and Ken Carter of Aadvanced Limousine.
“I was sick and tired of worrying not only about my insurance rates, but whether an insurance carrier would even be willing to provide a competitive quote to get my business. There has to be another way for our industry to reliably secure insurance that rewards us when we have great safety programs and minimal losses,” says Peterson.
“Is the sky falling? Up is down and down is up it seems these days! With all the disruptions and uncertainties going forward what is one to do? This session will help you find answers from your fellow operators who are creating ways to survive during these unprecedented times,” says Casey.
The CD/NLA Virtual would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. Many thanks to Platinum Sponsors Ford-Lincoln Limousine & Livery Vehicles and Lancer Insurance, Gold Sponsor Chosen Payments, and Silver Sponsor Curtis Gabriel. We thank you for your support of our event and the industry as a whole.
Visit cdnlavirtual.com for more information.
[10.28.20]
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Industry consultant and Chauffeur Driven contributor Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions hosted a webinar on Tuesday, October 20, entitled From Crisis to Recovery: Mapping Out the Road Back. Sponsored by FASTTRAK, the Zoom meeting offered strategies to help operators restart and rebuild your passenger transportation business. The hour-long session was attended from dozens of operators from around the country, and featured guest speakers Eddie McCoy of FASTTRAK and Edward Kaye of Schickler Kaye.
Lucci opened the meeting by welcoming McCoy, who discussed the development and features of FASTTRAK’s new URL-based Envision software package. Next, Lucci gave an overview of Driving Transactions’ valuation and consultation services, and provided a brief outlook of what the luxury ground transportation is facing in the near future.
With many banks and lenders hesitant to grant borrowers a third round of deferments, Kaye provided negotiation strategies and general financial advice for operators struggling during the pandemic. Financial forecasting and creating a clear “story” are essential for dealing with lenders. With the used commercial vehicle market at a low, banks are hesitant to reclaim assets, so providing an honest and reasonable outlook for the future is likely to help when negotiating terms.
On October 29, Lucci and FASTTRAK are hosting another free webinar featuring Simon Curtis of Curtis Gabriel. Topics will include How to Create Revenue Pivots, Why Choose Social Media & It’s Versatility, Maintaining Your Presence, and Growth Strategies Coming Out of COVID. To attend, email terrie.lane@curtisgabriel.com for Zoom credentials.
[10.27.20]