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Motorcoach manufacturer Irizar has added its first liquid natural gas (LNG) long-range i4 model coach to its lineup. This coach, with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers (about 620 miles), is primarily available to customers across Europe.
Irizar II i4 model coach
The first vehicle equipped with this technology is the class II i4 model Irizar. According to the manufacturer, it was designed to be a versatile coach that is perfect for cities, commuter lines, and school or company transport. Additionally, this technology has shown to reduce CO2 emissions by 25 percent, NOx emissions by 85 percent, and particle pollution by 96 percent—which may also lower operating costs up to 30 percent depending on the cost differential of natural gas and diesel. The maintenance cost remains similar to a conventional diesel vehicle, according to data released by the company. In comparison to compressed natural gas vehicles (CNG), LNG takes up less space (600 times less), has an energy density 1.4 greater, and the complete system weighs less.
Irizar II i4 model liquid natural gas system
The LNG range of vehicles from Irizar includes the i4, i6S, and i6 Irizar model coaches. In September, the Irizar i4 will also be available with the new Scania NBG 9I Euro6E 340 horsepower chassis. In 2022, that technology will be extended to the Irizar i6 and i6S models for medium- and long-distance suburban routes with a new generation 410 horsepower 131 NBG chassis.
The full specs of Irizar’s hybrid lineup can be found here.
With this new development, Irizar says it has kept expanding its wide range of technological solutions that can adapt to any need, including zero-emissions electric buses, diesel coaches, biofuel, natural gas, HVO, hybrid, biofuel, and B100.
Visit irizar.com for the manufacturer’s lineup of vehicles available in Europe, or visit irizarusa.com for information about vehicles sold in the US.
[09.20.21]
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On Tuesday, September 14, the Illinois Limousine Association (ILLBA) held the latest installment of their regular Coffee With ILLBA webinars. Eschewing the traditional format of having a guest speaker or themed session, the recent event was titled Ask Us Anything, which gave members the opportunity to openly discuss any industry issues and concerns, or to just share stories.
ILLBA President Art Rento
“This is a great opportunity to get together to brainstorm solutions,” said ILLBA President Art Rento of Pontarelli Companies.
Discussion was spirited and energetic as members tackled familiar issues such as raising rates and the shortage of CDL drivers. Operators expressed their hope that drivers will soon return behind the wheel now that the extended Federal Unemployment Assistance has expired.
ILLBA Vice President Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus addressed the use of yield management/dynamic pricing, which is common among other verticals in the travel industry, but not widely utilized in luxury ground transportation—although it is regularly used by TNCs with surge pricing.
ILLBA Vice President Tracy Raimer
“Is it time we seriously start looking at yield management, and we don’t just do it for Super Bowls, Ryder Cups, and Lollapalooza, but now do it on a daily or weekly basis?” she asked. “Every single service or product that you buy is yield management or dynamic pricing based on supply and demand. Our industry is the only one that will approach you with a rate sheet for the next 12 months. It may be time for our industry to start looking at that.”
Other topics discussed included software compatibility, insurance, workers’ comp, and finding quality affiliates.
A free recording of the webinar is available here. The next Coffee With ILLBA is scheduled for October 19, and is available to all operators.
Visit illinoislimousineassociation.com for more information.
[09.20.21]
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Have you booked your room for the 2021 CD/NLA Show yet? As hard as it is to believe, we’re less than a month away from the industry event of the year. Our beautiful host property—the Gaylord Texan—still has availability in our exclusive room block where you can secure an incredible rate of $219 a night. That’s close to $100 off the standard rate found on their website and other discount travel sites. If you haven’t taken advantage of this offer, do it today before the room block is sold out.
The Gaylord Texan contains everything under one roof, so your room is equally close to the show floor, seminars, and events, and the property is only six minutes from DFW Airport. When you’re not busy networking with peers and learning plenty of new ideas at our sessions during the day, you can explore the 10-acre indoor Texas Hills Country Replica Gardens, seasonally inspired resort activities, or relax at one of the hotel’s spas. There are also several bars and venues that feature a variety of food, drinks, and even live music. The property completed a $155M expansion in 2018 that added brand-new guest rooms and space for events like the CD/NLA Show, so there’s plenty of prairie to let your horses roam.
Are you ready for a little higher learning? Because Limo University is back in session. Once again, Bill Faeth and his Limo U programming returns to the CD/NLA Show to present a two-part financial seminar called Banking for the Future on Sunday Oct. 10 at 1:00 p.m. Setting your business up for future success takes discipline, knowledge, and hard work. Faeth will walk you through exactly what you need to implement post pandemic to future proof your business, from financial planning, implementing automation, recruiting and much more in this Mega Sunday session.
Faeth returns to the podium on Tuesday, October 12 at 10:00 a.m., where he will moderate Yield Management—How to Do More With Less. With a panel of experts, Faeth will take a look at the current landscape where supply and resources are limited, and inflation is on the rise. He’ll ask if you are leaving money on the table or capitalizing on the work you are already doing. Technology is already available to allow for yield management the same way hotels, airlines, venues, and hundreds of other businesses have been doing for years. Learn how you can begin utilizing yield management to efficiently move your equipment and increase your profits during peak periods. And of course, you’ll find Faeth and his Limo U team on the show floor, offering short, energetic, and highly useful sessions with loads of takeaway.
Over the last year and a half, one of the hottest trends in the industry is the return of retail work. Even operators who previously staked their claim in the corporate travel world found success by pivoting to unique, creative, and profitable retail work. Join us on Monday, October 11 at 9:45 a.m. for Seizing Opportunities in the Retail Game as Moderator Ken Carter of Aadvanced Limousines is joined by a panel of experts including Charlie Grimm of BAC Transportation, Guri Rajput of Seattle Royal Town Car, Josh Roman of Heaven on Wheels, Nina Parson of Company Car & Limousine, and Derek Stafford of Elegant Image Limousines. Whether it’s adding a new revenue stream, promoting an existing service with a fresh twist, or going all-in on something that’s tried and true, this unique session will examine many of the prospects available for operators looking for new opportunities. Presented in “America’s Got Talent” style, this entertaining and informative session will feature operators of every size and shape, representing markets all over the country—and a final curtain call for additional questions. It will include how to create your own local app, specifically for retail, and utilize text-message marketing to grow your book of business.
If technology is piquing your interest, add Cyber Security (Wednesday, October 13 at 10:15 a.m.) to your to-do list. It seems like cyber-crimes and their impact on businesses of all sizes have been in the news with more and more alarming frequency: Ransomware, spyware, malware, phishing, executive impersonation scams, and more. The threats to your chauffeured transportation business continue to escalate in size, frequency, and severity. Here is what you NEED to know about why even the smallest operators are vulnerable, why cyber insurance is critical but increasingly expensive, and where you can turn for help. Take away useful and actionable next-steps to protect your business. This seminar will help you discover and patch any holes that leave your company open to thieves. Protect your valuable data—your customers are counting on you!
Once again, we feel it’s appropriate to give another thanks to the generous sponsors who help make the event a reality. Special thanks to our Title Sponsor Ford Lincoln Limousine & Livery, education sponsor FASTTRAK Cloud Technologies, and Buffalo Limousine, Lancer Insurance, BMW, Volvo, Chosen Payments, North Point Global Transportation Services, AJL International, ECS Transportation Group, Premier Transportation of Dallas, Premier Transportation Worldwide, and all of our affiliate and supporting sponsors.
Visit cdnlashow.com for more information.
[09.15.21]