Once, when you saw a limousine, it was wondered if there was a celebrity or president of the company inside. The limousines were once cool and stylish. Now they are somewhat flashy and nasty. They die, even if the industry does not do it. Emily Stewart from Business Insider will tell us how the limousines have gone through the way for decades of prestige to fall out of fashion.
Limousines seemed to be the peak of luxury for a long time. They were something that corporate presidents bought
– says Emily Stewart, journalist of the American Business Insider.
Limousines can accommodate up to 15 people
The first limousines were created at the beginning of the 20th century and were not even cars. They were sled vehicles that simply had more space. Then, in the crazy 1920s, the manufacturers transformed limousines into elongated cars. They became longer. Today, some limousines have over 18 MIZ ease of 15 passengers.
They also have luxurious accessories, such as bar, sofas, and even rare cases even a swimming pool. As more and more limousines were produced, more and more people, not only very wealthy, began to rent them, but then something changed.
Once limousines were a dream
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Business Iniser
– It is important to talk about the financial crisis in 2008 and recession. In 2008, it looked really bad when the president of the company left the limousine – he reminds the old times of Emily.
So they began to choose more subtle ways of transport. Celebrities, bride and groom, participants of proms and funerals followed the presidents.
Over the past few years, quiet luxury has become a trend. People want to be wealthy, have nice things, do nice things, but they don't want it to be visible
However, this is not only a matter of social status. Renting a limousine is not easy or cheap.
– Nowadays, thanks to Uber and Lyft, you can drive a nice car without having to book and plan in advance. This is something that scares the industry. One of the owners of the company I talked to, described Uber, lyft and sharing cars as glorified hitchhiking Emily claims.
Luxury and security
Safety problems also appeared. In 2013, a limousine fire in California caused the death of five bachelorette party members, and 20 people were killed in New York in New York.
– They are literally cars such as Cadillac or Hummer, which They are cut in half and then welded back. One man described it to me as artistic handicrafts. I really don't want to drive a car that resembles artistic handicrafts – says Emily.
Limousines were a dream
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Business Iniser
Few new limousines are currently produced. There are many used, which only covered with dust.
Many limousines can be found on the Internet – on Craigslist or Marketplace Facebook
Limousines have not died, but the industry has changed significantly over the past decade or two. A transport company, which once had several limousines in its 50 vehicles, now it can only have a few or not at all. Many companies even give up using the word “limousine”.
The presidents and stars used to drive limousines
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Business Iniser
– Contemporary limousines are hiding in the view. These are not long limousines that you associate. Most of their fleets are now just different vehicles – says Emily.
For example, SUVs that offer more space or party buses.
– At the beginning of exploring the topic, I decided that it was strange that the limousines disappeared. And at the end I thought it was good, that they disappeared. We don't want them anymore. For me, it looks a bit like the market has got rid of something that we don't really want. It is not that every limousine is a deadly trap or threatens people, but they are not so comfortable and too safe. If there are better options, why not use them? Emily asks.
Crowd. Piotr Nazek
