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It’s open and accepting applications!
Bus and motorcoach companies now have the opportunity to apply for grant monies that can help their business while they rebuild after the COVID pandemic. The Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Program, passed in late 2020, can assist companies that lost 25 percent or more of revenue during COVID to cover payroll costs, but also acquisition of services; equipment, including PPE and COVID protection measures; continued operations and maintenance of existing equipment and facilities; rent; leases; insurance; and interest on regular debt service.
Full program guidelines and FAQs can be found here.
From the portal page:
Application Deadline: The CERTS portal will be open for applications through July 19, 2021. To be considered for a CERTS grant, an application must be completed, electronically signed, and submitted through the portal by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 19. After the deadline, the portal will not accept new applications, and users will not be able to finish draft applications in the portal.
Accessing the CERTS Portal: To gain access to the CERTS portal and submit an application, a company representative must first register with a username and password through the ID.me identity service. Interested companies may register to obtain an ID.me username and password and access the CERTS portal here.
Need more information? The American Bus Association hosted a webinar on CERTS basics, which can be accessed here. The United Motorcoach Association will also address CERTS in its weekly Town Hall, held on Thursdays at 2 p.m. ET. Register for the Town Hall here.
[06.21.21]
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Last week, the National Limousine Association (NLA) learned that the Senate Commerce Committee was set to vote on an amendment to the committee’s surface transportation bill, which would have imposed a federal CDL requirement on all 9+ passenger vehicles (including the driver). With a shortage of CDL drivers already plaguing the industry, this legislation would be a costly, time-consuming, and unnecessary step that would put further strain on operators around the country as they work toward recovery.
NLA President Robert Alexander
The NLA took immediate action and provided operators with an online form letter that could be sent to the members’ senators. Through their members and partners, and through tireless advocacy, these efforts ensured that the amendment was not even considered for a vote. Now, the infrastructure bill will advance to the full Senate without this potentially harmful requirement.
“We have been working with House and Senate lawmakers for over a year to ensure that any limousine provisions in an infrastructure bill are acceptable to the industry,” said NLA President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide in a statement to members. “We will continue to monitor the situation and fight hard for the industry as Congress continues to negotiate an infrastructure bill over the coming months.”
Matt Assolin Legislative Committee co-chair
Brett Barenholtz Legislative Committee co-chair
Alexander cited the work of Cornerstone Government Affairs—namely, Louie Perry, Todd Webster, and Dylan Mooers—for their efforts in quashing the amendment but also for looking out for the association and the industry at large every single day in Washington, D.C. Cornerstone has been working on this particular issue for more than a year now and their persistence paid has off for the industry.
“I also want to thank the Legislative Committee, co-chaired by Matt Assolin and Brett Barenholtz, for consistently working with the Cornerstone team to ensure the industry's voice is heard,” added Alexander. “Our committees play a valuable role in shaping the NLA's message, initiatives, and programs. It is often a thankless job, but a very important one and I hope to see even more members get involved in the NLA's efforts.”
You can stay apprised of any federal legislation that is being introduced in Washington by visiting limo.org, doing a keyword search at congress.gov, and at chauffeurdriven.com.
[06.18.21]
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Lincoln will debut its first global fully electric vehicle in 2022, the first step toward electrifying its entire portfolio of vehicles by the end of the decade. The new electric vehicle will debut as the brand celebrates its 100th anniversary next year and accelerates growth in North America and China.
The interior of Lincoln’s EVs are meant to be a sanctuary with extra room
By mid-decade, Lincoln expects half of its global volume will be zero-emissions vehicles and plans to electrify its portfolio of vehicles by 2030. This is part of the company’s Ford+ plan and Ford Motor Company’s planned investment of more than $30 billion in electrification by 2025.
“As we accelerate Lincoln’s transformation in North America and China, there is no better time to propel the Lincoln brand forward with electrification,” said Lincoln President Joy Falotico. “Electrification will take Quiet Flight to a new level with the smooth, exhilarating take-off feel and serene quietness our clients expect from a Lincoln.”
The company’s new RWD and AWD battery electric flexible architecture will enable Lincoln to deliver four new and distinct fully electric vehicles. The first fully electric Lincoln will join the plug-in hybrid Aviator and Corsair SUVs, as the brand shifts toward electrification.
The Lincoln logo illuminates to greet the driver
Lincoln also plans to expand its portfolio of effortless and personalized experiences, using the Lincoln Way app to deliver an enhanced suite of connected services as it prepares for an electrified future.
“Our clients deserve the very best from Lincoln,” said Falotico. “Our world-class vehicles, effortless services, and advanced connected technology will allow us to create an always-on relationship with them and help transform the Lincoln brand for the future.”
Evolution of Quiet Flight
Evolving the brand’s signature design and drive experience with maximized comfort for all, Lincoln’s unique electrified vision is a true representation of its Quiet Flight DNA. The debut of the Lincoln Zephyr Reflection concept at Auto Shanghai earlier this year hints to the brand’s future design philosophy and signature features it will offer.
Evolving Lincoln’s design, the fully electric Lincoln will deliver a more spacious interior that creates the ultimate expression of the Lincoln sanctuary. On approach, the exterior presents a striking, modern aesthetic, while the iconic Lincoln star evolves to meet an electrified future. Thoughtful details inside create a truly rejuvenating space for all, with clever storage solutions and minimalistic panels, while a larger, expansive panoramic vista roof enhances natural light and provides a more open, airy feel throughout.
With a coast-to-coast display that offers a sweeping view of the horizon, Lincoln’s new digital design language—Constellation—includes exclusive themes showcasing the night sky. Clients can choose the theme that best reflects their current mood.
Always-on and connected
Lincoln vehicles will introduce next-generation technology that helps the brand create always-on relationships with clients, offering more connected vehicle experiences through a new tech stack. The Lincoln Intelligence System, a cloud-based platform for integrating electrical, power distribution, computing systems in connected vehicles, enables a software-first approach to update performance without changing hardware—ultimately allowing a Lincoln vehicle to get better over time.
Continuous quality improvements, plus new features and capability updates for SYNC 4-enabled vehicles will be rolled out through the Lincoln Enhance platform via over-the-air software updates. This summer, 2021 Lincoln Nautilus clients will receive their first software updates, including enhancements to their navigation system, Apple CarPlay, and digital owner’s manual. A powerful new update to the hands-free digital assistant Alexa arrives this fall, bringing the seamless operations that clients have come to expect with their personal and home devices.
Soon, the brand will build on its comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assist features with the introduction of Lincoln ActiveGlide hands-free highway driving technology. Using advanced camera, radar, and driver monitoring technologies, Lincoln ActiveGlide will allow a driver to operate hands-free on prequalified sections of divided highways called Hands-Free Blue Zones.
Lincoln is exploring more ways for clients to enjoy their sanctuary— to use it as a space for personal relaxation through more connected features. With Rejuvenation mode for example, clients can create their own sensory environment through various display, lighting, climate, seat, massage, scent, and audio settings. Lincoln designers and engineers are also experimenting with digital scenting techniques, exploring how warm, pleasant scents positively affect the mood and overall well-being of passengers.
Visit lincoln.com for more information.
[06.18.21]