VIVA LAS VEGAS!

The 2012 International LCT Show - one of the major events of the limousine industry year - took place this week (February 12-15) at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  In recent years, the show has become an opportunity to network, to set up and develop affiliate relationships, and to see and spend time with friends in the industry.  However, this year many operators were openly curious as to what surprise might be waiting for them on the show floor when the doors were opened to the masses on Monday afternoon.  After all, with the discontinuation of the current incarnation of the Lincoln Town Car, the majority of limousine operators who have come to depend on the it as the flagship vehicle of their fleet are still up in the air when it comes to deciding on its replacement.  Unfortunately, curiosity and anticipation quickly turned to disappointment, as it seems none of the car makers are anxious to take the lead in this race.
Lincoln is still pushing the MKT model, even referring to it as the new Town Car.  It is being called much less flattering things by operators across the board, although some seem willing to take a chance on it.  The reality is  that it looks somewhat like a 21st century station wagon, and most certainly won't help people forget the current Town Car.
Cadillac touted the XTS as its livery solution, and while it does have the classy look you'd expect from a Cadillac, the trunk space - an important feature for a livery vehicle - leaves a lot to be desired.
Mercedes makes a beautiful sedan for our industry, and they should considering the cost.  Maintenance alone makes it a risky option.  We have two S-Class sedans in our fleet now, and I get very little sleep because of it.
The Hyundai Genesis and Toyota Avalon both received positive reviews, but they face  major obstacles in gaining a foothold in the industry, mostly because they aren't on the same luxury level as Lincoln, Cadillac, or Mercedes, but there are also durability concerns.  Not that a Toyota or Hyundai won't run for 300,000 miles.  It more about what will be left of the rest of the car after taking the beating livery vehicles are subject to over their three to five year life cycle.
So as the show ended, there were more questions than answers, and several disappointed attendees.  Not that the seminars, meetings, and sponsored events weren't productive.  It's just that auto makers don't seem interested in making this decision easy for any of us.