- Details
- Category: Industry News
A rendering of the future Jacksonville facility
Daimler Coaches North America has announced that it has broken ground on a 43,700-square-foot delivery and service center in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to a 16,000-square-foot shop and maintenance center, the 11.9-acre site will include a dedicated training and delivery center for customers and service partners.
The Daimler Coaches team celebrated the start of construction
According to the announcement, this expansion enhances customer support by centralizing operations and providing a premium experience for both new Mercedes-Benz Tourrider motorcoaches and pre-owned coaches, a vehicle that was designed specifically for the North American market and will be delivered from this new facility. Available in business and premium models, the three-axle high-decker motorcoach offers best-in-class comfort, safety and luxury features to meet the needs of operators across North America.
The company’s Tourrider bus
“Building this new facility underlines our continued commitment to the North American market and focus on our customers. It will provide them with a modern environment for the delivery of their Mercedes-Benz Tourrider coaches. We are also showcasing our pre-owned vehicles,” said Daimler Coaches North America President & CEO Thomas Rohde.
Visit mercedes-benz-bus.com for more information.
[04.22.25]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Coffee With ILLBA, the Illinois Limousine & Bus Association’s regular webinar series, returned on Tuesday, April 15. Operators from around the world were logged on for a timely conversation on building and managing a global affiliate network. Moderated by ILLBA Executive Director/Secretary Paula DeBiasi of ChicagoCoachworks, the online session featured a trio of panelists, including Richard de Krijger of DMC Limousines (Amsterdam), Yoali Garcia of Godandi & Sons (Latin America), and Andreas Haase of Royal American Group (Central & South America/Caribbean).
DeBiasi began the webinar by stating that this is her favorite Coffee With ILLBA topic to cover, as she always learns something new. After she introduced the panel, the experts weighed in on the topic of marketing and sales strategies. De Krijger advised all attendees to attend the various industry trade shows as they allow face-to-face interaction with potential affiliates. Garcia advocated for digital segmentation on services like LinkedIn, while also singing the praises of GNet, which allows seamless communication between operators/affiliates. Meanwhile, Haase encouraged operators to contact and regularly communicate with their existing customers.
ILLBA Executive Director/Secretary Paula DeBiasi of ChicagoCoachworks
Inspired by a question from an ILLBA member, the conversation shifted to the process of vetting affiliates, leading each of the panelists to weigh in on the topic. Haase advised operators to have a checklist and service level agreement to standardize procedures, while de Krijger recommended avoiding using Google reviews to vet operators as they don’t present an accurate picture.
“Having a global presence demands excellence,” said Garcia, who believes that booking in advance is a key to success with global affiliates, making note of cancellation policies among operators in different countries/markets.
Other topics discussed included the difference of service levels across the globe. DeBiasi shared a story about a client being disappointed in a lack of leather seats during a ride in Saudi Arabia, unaware that the luxury may be unavailable in the desert climate.
“Learn to accept cultural nuances,” said DeBiasi.
The lively webinar also covered large events in various worldwide markets and the importance of indicating the proper time zone when booking trips with clients. Again, GNet’s value was praised, particularly solving the communication difficulties between countries.
The webinar was recorded and is available for free to all operators on ILLBA’s YouTube channel. Click here to view.
The next ILLBA event is a breakfast meeting on May 13 at a location to be determined.
Visit illba.org for more information.
[04.21.25]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Leros Transportation Group has announced they have acquired Philadelphia-area operation Corporate Sedan Service (CSS). Established in 1999, CSS was owned and operated by Gregg Fox, who will stay on with the company.
The two combing brands will represent nearly 70 combined years of transportation experience and will be operating nearly 400 vehicles consisting of sedans, SUVs, vans, minibuses, and full-size coaches throughout N.Y., Conn., N.J., and Pa.
Leros Transportation Group COO Michael Basso
This acquisition gives Leros further expansion in the Philadelphia market that connects geographically to their existing New Jersey operations. In September 2024, Leros established its Pa. footprints with the acquisition of Park Avenue Worldwide. CSS will maintain its branding, but merge its operations into the Park Avenue site in Bensalem, Pa.
CSS Founder Gregg Fox
“CSS is a perfect second acquisition partner for us in the Philadelphia market,” says Leros Transportation Group COO Michael Basso. “We have had a long relationship with Greg and his team, as had Park Avenue, making it an easy blend culturally. Their commitments to safety, service, along with a solid history of revenue should make for a seamless blend and help us operate even more efficiently in a market that's still new to us.”
“It's never an easy decision to sell your company, but meeting with Leros and their team, plus knowing and being able to speak with other acquisition partners from the industry, made selling to THEM an easy decision,” says CSS Founder Gregg Fox. “I'm excited for this next chapter, to be able to not only carry on the legacy we built at CSS for over 25 years but adding to it with the resources, know-how, and experienced team that Leros provides.”
Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions provided a financial review and documentation for CSS aiding in this acquisition.
Visit lerostg.com for more information.
[04.18.25]