Over the past year at iChauffeur we have noticed an increase in the number of bookings for the Mercedes Viano people carrier. With the Viano’s ability to carry 7 passengers one could assume that companies are utilising the best chauffeur MPV on the market to save on transport costs. Rather than booking a few saloon cars businesses are ensuring that executives are sharing vehicles to minimise their annual fees to the chauffeur industry. The Mercedes Viano is generally priced the same as the S-class Mercedes or BMW 7 Series saloon cars, although they are considerably cheaper to purchase, which means that the Viano is now a very good consideration for todays professional chauffeur.

However the stigma still sticks with the Viano, that despite it’s plush quality leather interior and external smooth looks, that it is still a van and a common question from customers is “Well there must be something else that can carry 6-7 passengers?” but the answer is that there is not anything as smart and luxurious in the people carrier market today. Many executives enjoy the inner space of the Viano to work from and also enjoy the privacy of having the chauffeur sitting quite a distance away from them, unlike the classic saloon cars, where the passenger would sit directly behind the chauffeur. The new face lift model boasts a new suspension with a much better ride and the drive system is clean and economical using BlueEFFICIENCY technology. The new look also “emphasises independent character” Mercedes-Benz say.

The Mercedes Viano Vision Pearl Concept has our blood racing here at iChauffeur as it is exactly this type of concept that will bring the MPV market firmly home for the firm. Sleek and personal design and more of a sporty look is exactly what the doctor ordered and would be welcomed by many. If you are a family with lots of luggage wanting a luxury airport transfer or you are a company that needs to do a corporate roadshow with 4-7 executives the Mercedes Viano is the MPV for the job.

Photos by Will Senior in Richmond Park London.

Torsten Muller-Otvos

Rolls-Royce are widening their luxury car market globally during their Spirit of Ecstasy centenary year and have nearly tripled their sales since the firm launched the Ghost model a few years ago. They have enlarged their factory at Goodwood in West Sussex where they now employ just under 1000 workers. The US and China are their two top markets with Britain in third place, due to a large amount of Chauffeur vehicles here. Two years ago Rolls-Royce had around 70 dealerships, with 6 here in the UK, and now globally the firm are looking at around a 100. In China there are currently 8 dealerships with a further two due by the end of the year. There is a new showroom in Paris as well as offices in Dubai, Beijing and Singapore and of course the US.

Rolls-Royce Ghost

In Germany, due to sales of the new Ghost, Rolls-Royce have sold as many cars in 7 months to July as it sold in the whole year of 2010. At £100,00 less than the prestigious Phantom model the Ghost is described by Mr Muller-Otvos as “The more subtle way to own a Rolls-Royce”. In it’s 107 year history Rolls-Royce are steaming ahead despite the world economy.

iChauffeur are delighted to offer chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Phantom cars and Phantom wedding car hire across London and the South East of England.

Porsche Panamera LWB for the Chauffeur Market

Porsche are currently working on a long wheelbase version of the Panamera for the chauffeur market for 2012. Their aim for the 4 door sports saloon is to satisfy customers in north America and China but it will also be available in Europe. The vehicle will be extended by around 150mm, stretching the Panamera to make it suitable for the rear sitting fast paced business person. The diesel version will be a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 letting go of 246bhp, and with an 80- litre tank, it will offer a superb range of 745 miles with a combined fuel economy of 43.5mpg, very impressive for the chauffeur market in the UK.

With a cost of around £62,000 this puts the Panamera in line with the new cost of the Mercedes S-class and the BMW 7 series. The S-class Mercedes in comparison has a wheelbase of 3165mm and the Panamera will have approximately 3040mm. More importantly, all of the added wheelbase length will be incorporated into the rear section with a longer rear door and aperture, easier for passenger rear seat accessibility. The Panamera chauffeur car will incorporate an eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox and will of course be rear wheel drive. The Panamera Diesel will arrive at 62mph in 6.8 seconds and boasts a top speed of 150mph.

The legacy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars continues as they unveil their new showroom in Paris opened by the firms CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös. The idea of a Rolls-Royce showroom in Paris once again shows the world how the prestigious marque are innovative, foreword thinking and traditional. The facility is of course in the centre of Paris in the upmarket and fashionable 17th arrondissement. The grand opening was attended by VIP guests, celebrities, customers as well as media. The impressive building created by architects will hold 3 Rolls-Royce’s and fits in perfectly with the Parisian air of fashion with it’s customer lounge hosting colour and trim samples and an expresso bar.

Alice Temperley MBE, one of British contemporary fashion’s diamonds, created a gown for Rolls-Royce that is described ‘as the embodiment of the graceful little goddess’ which was presented at the opening of the showroom all the way from London Fashion Weeks catwalk.

CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said, “Paris is a global capital of style and fine living. I am delighted to see the new French home of Rolls-Royce in the heart of Paris, which complements the unique mood of the city, as well as the core values of our company.”

Dealer Principal of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Paris, Eric Neubauer, said, “The investment in our new showroom underpins our successful business partnership with Rolls-Royce in France. Working with our architects we were keen to create an atmosphere befitting the Spirit of Ecstasy, as we celebrate the centenary of this famous figurine.”

Following record sales Rolls-Royce have expanded their awesome factory at Goodwood to the tone of £10 million, to keep up with customer demand. Global sales are up, despite our world economy, and the firm have had serious interest from India and general sales growth is higher across all regions than ever before.

Bentley Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept

Bentley showcased a beautiful new interior concept designed for those executives on the move at the Frankfurt Automobile Exhibition last month. The Bentley Mulsanne flagship received a 170 hour hand-crafted makeover which will offer top executives and business people a luxury mobile office with a yachting style veneer inside it’s cabin. The passengers in the rear will benefit from individual iPad workstations mounted onto retractable picnic style tables as well as a 15.6-inch high-definition drop down LED screen for presentations and movies from both the DVD changer and Mac mini as well as TV function. The gadgets can also be stowed away, if discretion is a factor, and attention to detail is highlighted by a Tibaldi fountain pen, from Bentleys specially commissioned collection, which is neatly kept in the centre armrest along with a privacy telephone handset.

Named the Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept the british skilled craftsmen have mounted a Mac Mini in the trunk to power the iPads which have bluetooth wireless keyboards and as well as this an iPod remote control for music and rear seat information and entertainment devices. The chauffeur 4-seat configuration has rear seat entertainment (RSE) and is fitted with twin individual armrests and two cupholders, a tissue box and a large storage area. The control keys on the rear console operate the picnic tables, reading lights, HD LED screen and select audio and visual options. There is a double-glazed frosted glass bottle cooler in the rear centre console and multi-directional reading lights for each passenger which can be operated with the Apple devices and all of this can be illuminated by sophisticated mood lighting using soft glowing LED’s.

Alasdair Stewart, Member of the Board for Sales & Marketing said: “Many customers use their time in the Mulsanne to keep on top of their business commitments or simply take a few moments to relax. This fully functioning concept highlights the Mulsanne’s potential to help busy executives to communicate effectively and quickly whilst travelling. As you would expect from Bentley, all these features work in harmony with the handcrafted cabin and can be displayed or hidden at the user’s discretion.

“Mobile is the future”, is the mantra that continues to fall on our ears as people all over the world are buying more products and services online from their mobile phones. It is said that there are now more computer devices on the planet than there are people. In China over 80% of web based purchases come from mobile devices. A top Citigroup executive noted that there are more mobile phones in some countries than personal bank accounts.

Desktop Replacement

Manufacturers are continuing to develop smarter and less power hungry systems with complete desktop functionality. This gives us more control in the palm of our hands and eventually replace the traditional desktop computer. The mobile is essentially becoming a part of us, our little helper. From waking us up in the morning, to checking train times and weather, and looking at our bank accounts the mobile is becoming our second brain. In the future our mobile will be able to re-programme our home, it will replace our credit card to pay for tickets and journeys and to buy items in shops, with a quick scan of our device. With location technology the mobile will also make us aware of friends and family in our vicinity and let us know directions and the availability of the person. It is already our entertainment centre when we are not at home, holding our music and videos, and soon it will intelligently work out our preferences for food, films that evening, or events locally that we may be interested in. In the future leaving home without your mobile device will be like leaving a part of you behind as it will become your wallet, your keys to your car and hold all your personal data. It will predict your needs.

How will the Mobile effect the Chauffeur and Taxi Industry?

So how will this massive change in the relationships we have with our mobiles affect the chauffeur and taxi industry? It will give the client, the company and the driver more awareness and control. Now we have wide cellular coverage all we will need is a signal on our mobile. The first major change will involve moving our chauffeur despatch software online. This technology will enable the client to book online easily and will hold all previous addresses, journeys, prices and payment details, so with a few clicks they can book their journey. The chauffeur will also have the same flexibility and functionality and once logged on they will be shown what jobs are in their vicinity and the price of the job, and if the chauffeur is self employed, this may give him variable choices and offers of jobs with many chauffeur companies. The chauffeur company will benefit by having less office staff and controllers as technology will do most of the work for them.

In the near future, your mobile phone will be so powerful it’ll guide you through your whole life ~ William Webb

A “Yacht on four wheels” is what Mercedes are calling the Vision Pearl Concept Luxury Viano. Having being inspired by modern sporting yachts the former head of AMG Volker Mornhinweg made the Vision Pearl Concept his brainchild based on a maritime theme. The Mercedes Viano Vision showcar will make it’s debut appearance at this years International Motor Show (IAA) and last week Mercedes released stunning photos ahead of the Frankfurt Auto show creating some more buzz. Mercedes must be listening hard to their customers as one thing that has always let the Viano down is it’s looks. When offering alternative chauffeur vehicles to clients, when the passenger number is more than four, a common response is “but it’s a van”. Frankly, despite the numerous changes, we are still left with a van but it does look sportier and internally the modernisation is vital to the Viano’s shelf life.

Design and Changes

They say that the journey is the destination and Mercedes are trying to tap into this and make travelling more experience-oriented. Travelling time can be enjoyable and need not be a means to an end. Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans said “The Viano Vision Pearl is not merely a functional van, but also a stylishly designed living space.” Although the Viano Vision can carry 5 passengers we really need a seven passenger version which would mean six passengers in the rear and two bench seats. Although this would take away some of the ‘open living space’ it is vital as most of the luxury van market will require this. The middle row of seats can be turned 180 degrees to face the rear in conference style, and allow for face to face conversations with passengers in the back. One thing that is very exiting for Chauffeurs is Mercedes latest creation SmartGlass technology – SPD. This will allow passengers and chauffeurs to alter the tint of the glass in the roof and windows all the way from clear to dark, something that Mercedes rivals will have to follow. This feature will also improve security when privacy is important and hinder the paps.

The interior design is stunning and bold, a little impractical having white leather especially in the chauffeur business, but we can only hope that a darker interior version will reach the market. Stitched leather flooring in the front and a hardwood floor in the back along with brushed aluminium accents in the center console makes the concept so inviting. Boasting a 1320 watt Bang & Olufsen “BeoSound Viano” high-end sound system with 18 speakers the Concept will also sound good. Onboard WiFi connectivity is also incorporated for the modern business traveller. The front end has integrated LED daytime running lamps and Mercedes have introduced a “magno pearl grey” paint finish for the first time into the MPV sector. Mercedes maybe looking to capitalise on the Nissan and Toyota market share with these interior changes which could be big in the oriental market.

Earlier this year we published an article ‘The best Chauffeur Car in the World’ and in our experienced but humble opinion, the S-class Mercedes came in at number 1, which is why the arrival of the next big Benz has our pulses racing. The new S, codename W222, will be arriving at a time where sales had been falling in Europe, where the Benz flagship was overtaken by the new Audi A8 and the BMW 7-series. It is a different story in the Middle East, North America and China, as we have realised here at iChauffeur, clients from these region’s simply will not have anything else.

It’s all About the Curves

The next generation S-class has done it’s utmost to disguise itself from the public eye with extensive cladding, so we are not entirely sure of the exact shape, but what we do know is that there will be more sexy curves. At the Detroit show in 2007 the F700 concept car was unveiled and Daimler are expected to adopt styling from this model. By default, what we do know is that the front grill and rear light clusters will be modernised as these areas have been kept secret by the firm.

When does the New Mercedes S-Class Arrive?

For the Chauffeur market 2013, and this time around with four different body styles. As usual you will have the standard wheelbase saloon arriving in 2012, the Long Wheel Base in 2013, a coupe (which will replace the CL) and a stunning looking convertible in 2014 which will take 4 passengers. Quite disappointing that the chauffeur version with the extra leg room is not coming first but Daimlers plan is to widen the S-class market across the board which is made quite obvious by offering a convertible.

What’s New For The 2012 S-Class?

The W222 rear-wheel drive Merc’s will adopt MRA, which is short for Mercedes Rear-wheel drive Architecture and a new four-link front suspension and in the rear a new multilink arrangement. It will also have Magic Body control MBC which compensates road irregularities promising an even better ride than before, with 2 cameras scanning the road ahead, the magical system will change the ride before you hit the bumps. MLC or Magic Light Control is another magic trick from the firms box which adapts its light patterns from the steering angle, weather and speed. One thing that is paramount to drivers that Daimler have advanced is an easy to use command system (probably a single controller) with more integration on the steering wheel. Mercedes Benz is looking to change the screen in the centre consul for a larger TFT multiple-imagert display in the drivers primary field of vision. In true Star Trek style, that is something I am looking foreword to seeing.

What about the Lumps?

Well it’s V6 and V8 petrol and the V6 has stop-start technology and revised direct injection which will apparently improve the fuel economy by 24 per cent. The V8 engine has 429bhp, and 32 per cent more torque, but improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions. The diesel version called the S250 CDI will have 204bhp and promises some dynamic savings in fuel and this version may be adapted into a hybrid version with a new battery from Litec. Sources say that Mercedes are working hard on hybrid technology but it’s unlikely to appear for quite a few years probably around 2014. It goes without saying that a stupidly quick AMG version will arrive and sources say 650bhp will be the mark.

Verdict

We are having some!

Any quality driven chauffeur company will understand and recognise the importance of the chaps on the road. The guys that perform well and gel with their customers. Those chauffeurs who seem to get requested more than others and who produce hot feedback like; “We must have Michael again, my boss loved him”. It is not enough to have an amazing website, a huge fleet of brand spanking new chauffeur vehicles and the latest iPhone app. If the customer does not warm to the person picking them up your time is limited within the chauffeur industry.

What Makes a Good Chauffeur?

There is absolutely no point being a chauffeur unless you enjoy driving. If traffic jams wind you up or you stress over travelling long distances, then forget it and move on. A chauffeur must enjoy being out and about and thrives in new scenarios each day. They must embrace change rather than fear it. It is these service based individuals who like a challenge and enjoy being part of a team that are successful. Being a top chauffeur is not about reflective glory and cruising around with A-list celebrities, Royalty and other famous faces. The industry is not often like that as many customers are private successful individuals who like to feel safe and comfortable with their chauffeur. Of course a good chauffeur must have topographical training and be familiar with the best sights to see. He must also be flexible and ensure someones special occasion goes smoothly and that may mean reading the customer well with good insight and instinct. The most important factor that makes a good chauffeur is simply that he or she enjoys what they do.

Retaining Customers

If we take a booking from a customer and they bond with the chauffeur then we will always do our very best to match them up again on the next journey. This way the customer feels that they have their own personal chauffeur, although they might only take a chauffeur journey several times a year. Sometimes the feedback from a journey comes from the chauffeur as well as the client. The chauffeur may mention that he enjoyed driving a particular client very much and that they got on well, and subsequently this feedback will be added to the clients profile. This enables us to build a solid and realistic database for each client. Each time they use our service something else can be added, like a particular way a client likes to travel, or the type of newspaper that they like to read.

The Fine Line

Sometimes after the chauffeur and client have built a solid relationship you may find that the client opens his private life to the chauffeur. The chauffeur may get invited to social events and family parties or may even be offered holidays abroad. It has been known that chauffeurs have been given expensive watches or even luxury cars as gifts. Quite frankly, this is where things can get tricky as the chauffeur, if he is not mindful, may get too close to the client and the air of professionalism can be lost. Once again these potential difficulties are down to the individual, and for me, this type of etiquette cannot be learned. It is instinctual and is something that the chauffeur is naturally able to interpret.

Rugby World Class Chauffeur Travel in New Zealand

Our friends and colleagues at iChauffeur.co.nz are almost delirious with delight as the first match of the rugby world’s most prestigious tournament, the Rugby World Cup is only hours away.

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand to support your favourite rugby team, iChauffeur.co.nz are ready to help you arrange your ground transportation requirements.

If you are flying from England, let iChauffeur collect you in chauffeur-driven style and drive you to your London airport in first-class luxury.

When you arrive in New Zealand, iChauffeur.co.nz will be able to transport you to your NZ hotel in the same style you have become accustomed to in Blighty. Your New Zealand chauffeur will be able to arrange sight seeing trips, offer you advice on the best places to eat and drink and really make you feel at home in New Zealand. To truly make the most of this special occasion let iChauffeur take you there in style!

We are Rugby travel experts here at iChauffeur. Our office is only minutes from the Twickenham Stadium and we have had the pleasure of chauffeuring many of our clients to and from Twickenham and also nearby Harlequins. In fact the CEO of iChauffeur.co.nz is a huge rugby fan, we know that from working with him here in the UK. So if you want to arrange your chauffeur-driven travel in NZ, or just have a chat about rugby, give Frank a call on +64 21 885 070 .