Limousine Vehicle Sales Soar In 2013; Highest Since 2001

Chauffeured vehicle sales have risen across all categories, as evidenced by the high foot traffic and packed vehicle exhibits Feb. 16-18 on the trade show floor of the International LCT Show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Photo by David Broyles/LCT

Chauffeured vehicle sales have risen across all categories, as evidenced by the high foot traffic and packed vehicle exhibits Feb. 16-18 on the trade show floor of the International LCT Show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Photo by David Broyles/LCT

TORRANCE, Calif. — If you could find the strongest signal of a limousine industry comeback, it lies in the latest LCT Fact Book, which reports a surge in chauffeured vehicle sales for 2013.

The May issue Fact Book, to be digitally distributed to subscribers next week, reports new aggregate sales/production numbers of all Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and coachbuilders that sell to the chauffeured transportation industry.

OEMs and coachbuilders confidentially report sales numbers to LCT Magazine each year, which are then used to compute aggregate totals for major vehicle categories.

• Stretch limousine and all bus sales hit 3,650 units in 2013, up 45% from 1,996 reported in 2012. This is the largest total since 2001, when 6,500 limousines and buses were sold to the limousine industry.
• Sedans/CUV sales totaled 4,805 units in 2013, up 43% from 2,751 in 2012.
• SUV sales were 428 units, up 33% from 285 in 2012.

OEM figures were contributed by Lincoln, Cadillac, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Toyota.

The latest numbers not only confirm a strong industry recovery, but point to a marketplace embracing a wider variety of vehicle brands, makes and models as operators seek to replace aging vehicles and adjust to the diversified post-Lincoln Town Car vehicle landscape. At the same time, the stretch limousine has not died. It's evolved and morphed into more custom-built stretches, luxury vans and all types of limo mini-buses and mid-coaches.

Related LCT article: 2014 ILCT Show Heralds Limo Industry Revival

The LCT Fact Book will feature a complete update of all key industry statistics based on LCT’s annual operator survey and industry analysis. Figures will include revenues, profit margins, purchasing trends, and fleets. The Fact Book also will feature a new reference format for manufacturer, supplier and industry listings.

LCT E-News will preview more survey results and trends next week.

— Martin Romjue, LCT editor