Limousines - State of the Industry

What do you think of the limousine industry over the last decade?

The limousine industry has evolved and grown in recent years. In the U.S., 5,000 limousine and taxi operator share $4 Billion per year in annual revenue. With the integration of the limousine as a standard mode of transportation among our cultural rites of passage such as proms and weddings, larger varieties of limos and amenities have surfaced in the last decade. Exotic limos continue to be in high demand and larger limousine operators

The growth in the industry can be pinned to the affordability of services offered and increased number of limousine operators competing in the market. Another factor that has driven this growth is the emergence of the ‘Party Bus’ or 'SUV Limo' – limousines equipped with not just a mini-bar, but state of the art sound and television systems, games consoles, fireplaces, dance floors, laser lights bubble machines and even hot-tubs.

The range of limousines available is ever growing, from the classic 8 passenger Lincoln to Bentley Continentals, of which the more obscure models are becoming more and more desirable due to their uniqueness such as:

The Fire Engine limousine offering 16 seats and a dance pole. - American Police Car Stretch offering 6 seats. The VW Beetle Stretch Limo is one of many unique new styles. Stretch Hummers come in various styles and colors and seating between 5 and 20. The exotic Stretch Chrysler c300 baby Bentley limo with Lamborghini doors is another innovation. Makes and models vary from Audi to BMW to the Reliant and more.

Innovation continues to drive the market. Custom limo builders continue to flourish even in a difficult economy.

Hiring a limousine is now seen as a matter of course for certain types of events, and as the range of vehicles increases, we can only expect to see further growth in the industry. The majority of limousine companies in the U.S. are independently owned regional operators. With continued growth, it may be possible to develop a recognizable brand that would put a stamp on larger regions.

The purpose of this blog is to explore new styles and review business strategies for limousine companies as the industry continues to evolve.