Prevost Boosts Wi-Fi, Internet Access On Its Luxury Coaches
No more arguing over whether passengers will watch romcom, sci-fi, or action adventure.
VAN NUYS, Calif. — The Ford Transit team held a press event for its 2015 Skyliner Custom Concept design, which was fashioned to resemble “A Private Jet on Wheels.” The limo coach was built by Galpin Auto Sports, an experienced industry leader in vehicle customization.
Tim Stoehr, Ford’s Commercial Truck Marketing Manager, explained to the audience how the 2015 Ford Transit went through a complete re-design to create a vehicle that could adapt to a wide range of customers. The Skyliner Concept shows how the Transit can be transformed into a true luxury cabin, and Stoehr emphasized that a number of custom upfit companies are eagerly awaiting their Transit deliveries so they can get to work making creative new designs on the durable platform.
Melvin Betancourt, Ford’s Design Manager, explained the amenities of the SkyLiner beginning with the modern design bar, complete with glassware and sliding door ice chest, that moves to a wood-paneled flooring with four premium captain’s chairs in the cabin.
The chairs can be positioned into 10 different stages of recline, and are controlled by two iPad minis located on either side of the cabin. Pricacy shades and lighting are also controlled by the touch screen, and when guests want to watch a movie, they can use the “movie mode,” where the shades come down, lights dim, and a 52-inch projection screen descends in front of the bar for passenger viewing.
“Vans haven’t been cool for a long time,” said Tim Stoehr, but he said he feels that with the versatility of the Transit, talented custom designers will soon produce new quality vehicles that will reach many different markets, ranging from retail conversions, to commercial fleet limo-style buses, and also standard work shuttles as well.
Ford is offering the Transit in three different wheelbase chassis, the138-inch, 156-inch, and 178-inch. The design features a unibody construction for lighter weights and better durability. The entertainment system for this Skyliner uses Focal Utopia 7.2 surround sound with speakers handmade in France specifically for this conecpt vehicle, a KVH DIRECTV satellite for HD TV and a Kaleidescape media server with storage space equivalent to more than 300 Blu-ray movies or more than 1,000 DVDs.
The event had two Transits at the Galpin Auto Sports show floor. A standard Transit with shuttle seating was next to the high-end SkyLiner to show the range of how the Transit can be used.
“Galpin is especially excited about the launch of the Transit, which builds on Ford’s commercial van leadership with a new design, making it the perfect platform from which to modify,” said Galpin Auto Sports President Beau Boeckmann. The Transit Skyliner will make its auto show debut at the New York International Auto Show on April 16 at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and Stoehr said that Ford plans to do a nationwide tour with the transit, stopping in cities across the country to educate customers on its uses and benefits.
PHOTOGALLERY: SKYLINER PREMIERE
— Tim Crowley, LCT senior editor
Related Topics: concept car, executive vans, Ford Transit Van, limo buses, luxury buses, party buses, unique vehicles
No more arguing over whether passengers will watch romcom, sci-fi, or action adventure.
More space and favorable operating costs are two factors driving the move toward more spacious vehicles.
Archived article update: The pricing data has gained accuracy over the decades but certain approaches still stand true.
The OEM's brochure offers the latest details for limo operators looking to enchance their livery fleets.
The new design is sleeker and more upscale, which will no doubt help contribute to higher profit margins.
Vehicle Pick of the Week: Clients still love the traditional limousine, so why not provide them with something a little roomier?
A gullible media has sped up the assumption this technology will transform our lives.
The sedan takes drivers to the pinnacle of luxury, innovation, and technology with an array of advanced amenities.
The car is expected to debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show and should be in showrooms in 2020.
The sedan still feels like a driver’s car, due to pin-sharp electronic variable steering and firm — not harsh — suspension.
Nostalgic Luxury: The classic car is up for auction with lots of bells and whistles.
Vehicle Pick of the Week: If you're not sure if a bus is the right fit for your operation, it's best not to buy one new.
JULY LCT: Understanding fixed and variable costs is key to deciding whether or not a motorcoach will be profitable.
Its vehicles are already driven by autonomous technology: professional chauffeurs.
The Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Transit all see solid year-over-year gains.
The world's No. 1 online marketplace and trader for professional chauffeured and chartered vehicles, including all types of motorcoaches, buses, vans, stretch limousines, sedans, SUVs, exotics, and classics. New and used vehicles are available from sellers across the nation.
The best online networker to find quality affiliates worldwide and market your company.
Click on any state to see the latest industry news and events in that region.
Bus Booking Platforms Widen Client Stream For Operators
Need to talk about my potential order of sprinter.new model