How the limousine service industry in Las Vegas is changing, growing
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Hundreds of professional drivers, transportation businesses, and luxury car manufacturers descended upon Las Vegas this week for the Chauffer Driven National Limo Association Show.
The show comes after months of large events that cater to the luxury driving industry.
“We just went through 120 days of Formula One, rodeos, the opening of the newest hotel on the Strip, CES, and then Superbowl,” Alan Waxler, CEO of AWG Ambassador explained.
The company started with one limo and now has a fleet of about 90 vehicles serving the Las Vegas valley.
“We sell convivence, you want the vehicle to come and go as you want,” he said.
Waxler attends this convention to see how he can make his rides even smoother for his customers.
“Las Vegas is one of the last destinations that provide limousine service,” he said.
His fleet has turned over from stretch limos to sedans, SUVs, sprinter vans, and even larger vehicles. The problem is the bigger the vehicle the different class of license you need. That’s why he started his driving school to train new drivers.
“Drivers are not easy to find, especially ones that know how to serve,” Waxler said.
However, getting new drivers is not the only problem facing this industry. They’ve had to compete with rideshare, gas prices, insurance rate hikes, and a recession.
Yet the demand for their service, especially here in the city, has grown. A lot of that can be explained by all the large events coming to town that cater to wealthier individuals.
Corporate groups are another huge chunk of the industry. And you can’t forget about the bachelorette and bachelor parties and birthdays.
Waxler believes the competition with rideshare is over because each company needs to find a unique way to stand out. Another big trend at this convention is looking at how electric vehicles will change the industry.
What sets them apart and why they do this is because of the customer service and luxury they offer Chris Weiss, President of Chauffeur Driven said.
“Regardless of the vehicle you’re in the chauffeur whether it’s a sedan or motorcoach, the chauffeur represents high-class luxury and someone that is going to be there for your every need,” he said.
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