Industry News - Chauffeur Driven Magazine

Details: Category: Industry News; Published: 2020, November 24

Sprinter’s little cousin just got a nip-and-tuck inside and out for 2021, making it a versatile choice for any operator looking for a midsize van option. Originally launched in the U.S. in 2015, the new generation Metris will arrive in U.S. dealerships the first half of 2021.

Here are some of the highlights:

9G-TRONIC automatic transmission: For the first time the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is now available for all Metris variants, replacing the 7G-TRONIC that was previously offered on the Metris. Drivers can use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to select drive programs "Comfort" and "Sport", and thus tailor the shifting behavior to their driving requirements.

Mercedes Benz Metris

Active Brake Assist and Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC: The new Active Brake Assist can detect the risk of a collision with a vehicle driving ahead, and first initiates a visual and audible warning. If the driver responds, the assistant builds up brake pressure appropriate to the situation. If there is no reaction the system provides support with active braking maneuvers. In city traffic, Active Brake Assist can also react to stationary obstacles and crossing pedestrians.

Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is also available for the Metris for the first time. Active Distance Assist can maintain the distance to the vehicle traveling ahead set by the driver and helps to relieve the driver, when driving on the highway or in stop-and-go traffic. The system accelerates the vehicle by itself and brakes with a maximum of half the vehicle's braking power in order to maintain a safe distance.

In addition, the Metris can be individually equipped with Active Parking Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.

Mercedes Benz Metris interior view

Digital rearview mirror: The camera mounted on the inside of the rear window conveys a field of vision which is twice as wide as a conventional inside rearview mirror, which is limited due to the window area. A clear safety advantage for the digital inside rearview mirror.

Digital services under the Mercedes PRO connect: The new Metris equipped with a communication Module (LTE) features increased awareness of efficiency, economy, and monitoring of the vehicle fleet for small and medium-size companies. The products from Mercedes PRO connect help increase efficiency, lower operating costs, improve the availability of your vehicles while also facilitating communication between the entire fleet and lessening the driver's workload. For more information, visit www.mercedes.pro.

Interior and exterior enhancements: The new Metris can be identified by the restyled radiator grille, which is coupled with the special equipment items DISTRONIC, Active Brake Assist, or painted bumpers. The Mercedes star is centrally positioned in the radiator grille and surrounded by three black grained louvers; a radiator grille in a chrome design is also available.

The designers have also updated the Metris in the interior. The robust and elegant "Caluma" fabric replaces the previous "Tunja" fabric. The facelift brings new air vents in a sporty turbine look on the left- and right-hand edge of the instrument panel. In conjunction with the optional Chrome Package the central dashboard is now framed by an element in a high-quality piano-lacquer look. With this option the frames of the new air vents are also in chrome.

Visit mbvans.com for more information.

[11.24.20]

Details: Category: Industry News; Published: 2020, November 24

ILLBA Nominating Committee Co-chair Scott Delheimer

On November 18, the Illinois Limousine and Bus Association (ILLBA) held elections for their 2020-2021 Board of Directors. Coordinated by Nominating Committee Co-chairs Scott Delheimer of Class Act Limousine and Brian Sheely of Epic Limo, the association is welcoming new blood to the Board alongside incumbent members.

ILLBA Nominating Committee Co-chair Brian Sheely

The 2020-2021 ILLBA Board of Directors are:
Kaya Armagan of Flash Limousines and Buses (New for 2020-2021)
Beth Cox of Cox Livery Service
Paula DeBiasi of Chicago CoachWorks
Scott Delheimer of Class Act Limousine
Lynn Kafkes of Galaxy Limousine Service (New for 2020-2021)
Michael McDaniels of Shriver Transportation Insurance (New for 2020-2021)
Chris Norlin of Nationwide Bus Sales
Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus
Art Rento of Pontarelli Companies
Brian Sheely of Epic Limo

In accordance with the ILLBA bylaws, the 2020-2021 officers will be elected by the Board at the association’s December Board meeting.

“We look forward to our returning Board members as well as the addition of three new directors. The 2020-2021 Board is totally balanced with representatives from small to large companies, which complements our membership well,” says Executive Director Paula DeBiasi. “As the challenges of COVID carry into 2021, the ILLBA will continue to work tirelessly to bring members pertinent, timely education and information to help them to weather the storm.”

“During these challenging times, it is refreshing and hopeful to see so many operators wanting to be involved and help guide our industry into its next chapter. Congratulations to all who won, and I am looking forward to working with each of them,” adds ILLBA President Tracy Raimer. “We are certainly going to miss Ron Hoye of Carey and Chris Weiss of Chauffeur Driven. In all the years they have been on the Board, their input, ideas, and collaboration has always been an asset to our association. They will be missed; however, we know where to find them.”

Visit illinoislimousineassociation.com for more information.

[11.24.20]

Details: Category: Industry News; Published: 2020, November 24

With tens of millions of Americans expected to travel for Thanksgiving this week despite spiking COVID-19 numbers nationwide, the U.S. Travel Association released an update to its guidance for healthy and safe travel—along with a plea for everyone to closely heed recommended best practices if traveling.

At the press conference detailing the revised guidelines, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow discussed the relatively new challenge of “pandemic fatigue”—which is reportedly causing many Americans to lower their guard against the coronavirus because they are tired after eight long months of evolving restrictions and lifestyle adjustments.

“It is extremely important to not become complacent about our health and safety practices,” Dow said. “If we do, the longer this pandemic will go on.”

U.S. Travel Association Health and Safety Guidance

The fatigue phenomenon is partially apparent in the fact that strong numbers of Americans are expected to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday despite the persistence of coronavirus. AAA Travel projects that up to 50 million Americans will take to the roads and skies for the November holiday.

The newly updated “Travel in the New Normal” health and safety guidance was developed in May in a collaboration between health and medical authorities and a broad array of business voices and reflect the most up-to-date information about the virus—including its airborne nature. The goal: keep travelers focused on their own practices that contribute to a safe environment for all—and demonstrate the travel industry’s commitment to the same. Accordingly, the new guidance outlines practices that should be embraced by both travelers and travel businesses alike.

“Public health is a shared responsibility that requires a phased and layered approach, and if you’re choosing to travel, you have a major role to play,” said Dow. “First and foremost: wear a mask in public spaces. That needs to be universal at this point.”

Dow emphasized that the need to stay conscientious about health and safety applies to all travel environments—not just air travel. This is especially true because 95 percent of Thanksgiving trips are expected to be by car this year, according to AAA—an increase from 90 percent last year.

“The same best practices apply in every phase of travel,” said Dow. “If you’re in an airport, at a rest stop, or entering a restaurant, or if you’re staying in a hotel, please wear a mask in public spaces, without exception.”

Beyond the strong emphasis on mask-wearing, other practical advice for travelers in the updated guidance includes:

Decide if you can travel safely. Do not travel if you are sick or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
Get an annual flu vaccine.
Before travel, check information about your destination. Check health departments for local requirements and up-to-date travel information about your destination.
Practice physical distancing. Stay six feet from those who do not live with you, both indoors and outdoors.
Wash your hands frequently. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.