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The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus is the latest vehicle to capture the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award, joining its cousins the 2021 Corsair and Aviator, Lincoln announced last month.
2021 Lincoln Nautilus
The testing included 2021 models of many major industry carmakers, although not all vehicles are tested. For example, there is no current-year data for the Chevy Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator, and high-end specialty vehicles such as Porsche are not included.
2021 Cadillac XT6
The criteria for 2021 Top Safety Picks include ‘good’ ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. It also needs an advanced or superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention and a good or acceptable headlight rating (or standard to qualify as Top Safety Pick+).
Several other industry favorites also made the list: Cadillac XT6; BMW 3 Series; Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class, GLC, and GLE; the entire Volvo lineup including S60, S90, and XC90; Genesis G70, G80, G90, and GV80; and Tesla Model 3.
You can see the full list of IIHS Safety Picks for 2021 here.
[09.07.21]
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Nikko Assolin enjoying one of his favorite vices: a fine cigar
Nikko’s Worldwide Limousine founder Nikko Assolin died on September 1, 2021, due to complications from COVID. He was 79.
An industry icon—equally known for his business savvy and personal style—Assolin founded Nikko’s Luxury Limousines in 1982 with his late wife Linda (1951-2014) after he had been in the hotel business for 15 years, including time spent as VP operations of Holiday Inn. By 1986, the company had 15 stretches, and in 1995, as Houston’s nightlife was in decline, Nikko bought a corporate-based transportation company, which has since been the framework for Nikko’s Worldwide. Today the company has offices in Houston and Austin, and is considered one of the most respected operations in Texas.
Nikko (bottom right) with friends at an industry event
“My father is well-known and loved by everyone I meet in the industry,” said son Matt Assolin, in a profile for Chauffeur Driven. “There have been times I couldn’t make an event, so we’d send Nikko and all I hear from my friends is that he was the center of attention.”
In recent years, with Matt taking over much of the workload at the company, Nikko enjoyed dinner with friends and spending time with the next generation of Assolins. He remained a well-loved fixture at industry events, always willing to share a fine cigar with friends and colleagues.
Matt and Nikko (right) Assolin of Nikko’s Worldwide Chauffeured Services pictured in a Chauffeur Driven profile (February 2017)
Details concerning a Celebration of Life are forthcoming.
He is survived by his son Matt, daughter-in-law Xochitl, and two grandchildren.
The staff at Chauffeur Driven sends our condolences to the entire Assolin family on their loss.
Some condolences via Facebook:
“[Nikko] lived life to the fullest. He had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed having a good time. I’ll miss seeing him at the shows.” – Jeff Nyikos, CEO of Leros Point to Point/Royal Coachman
“Nikko was a great guy and was very helpful to me when I first started in the limo industry ... great to talk to and very knowledgeable. A true Houston icon in the industry.” – Renzo Ormsbee, Founder of Elite Worldwide Transportation
[09.07.21]
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Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park
The Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) announced that it will once again hold its Annual Golf Outing and Dinner, a tradition that the association began in 2017. The event, which will take place on Tuesday, September 14 at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, is also the first meeting that LANJ has held since its Winter Board Meeting at the beginning of 2020.
LANJ Executive Director Patty Nelson
LANJ Executive Director Patty Nelson says that all chauffeured transportation operators, industry suppliers, and LANJ members are invited to join their friends and colleagues for a fun day of friendly competition and networking. Tee time is 12:00 p.m. and there are a limited number of spaces still available for interested golfers. Chauffeur Driven President Chris Weiss is also expected to attend.
LANJ President Jason Sharenow
If golf isn’t your jam—no worries! You can still join the group for the dinner and association meeting, which starts at 6:00 p.m. Dinner only is $80 per person; golf and dinner is $195 per person.
There will be plenty to catch up on during the meeting as LANJ leadership has not been idle during the pandemic. LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide spearheaded a Facebook Live meeting in the early days of the shutdown, and later joined forces with the Long Island Transportation Association for another virtual get-together, which included operators from all over the tri-state area. LANJ was also on top of the Port Authority’s new access fees for pickups and drop-offs at Newark, LaGuardia, and John F. Kennedy airports, which went into effect in April.
If you’re interested in playing golf, attending dinner, or have any questions about the event, email Nelson at patricia.nelson103@gmail.com or call 862.213.9869.
[09.01.21]