The first automobile limousine, built in 1902, was designed so the driver sat outside under a covered compartment. The word limousine is derived from the name of the French region Limousin, because this covered compartment physically resembled the cloak hood worn by the shepherds there. An alternate etymology has the chauffeur wearing a Limousin-style cloak in the open driver's compartment, for protection from the weather.

The first “Stretch Limousine” was created in Fort Smith, Arkansas around 1928 by a coach company named Armbruster. These cars were primarily used to transport famous “big band” leaders, such as Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, and their bands and equipment. These early stretch limousines were often called “big band buses”.

A limousine (or limo) is a longer than normal luxury car. The chassis may have been extended by the manufacturer or by an independent coach builder, traditionally black limo or white limo in color. Limousines are most commonly driven by chauffeurs and until the mid-1990s were most often associated with the wealthy. They are also used for special occasions such as weddings, parties and sight-seeing tours.

While some limousines are owned by individuals, many are owned by governments to transport senior politicians, by large companies to transport executives, or by broadcasters to transport guests. Most limousines, however, operate as livery vehicles, providing upmarket competition to taxicabs.

When you're hiring a limo for your ride to and from the airport, or to pick up an important client, or drop them off, it's a lot different than renting a limousine for stag night, or the prom. Airport limousine services carry a whole different set of risks and requirements. It's important to make sure that you're using a reputable service that always gets people to the gate in time and in style. Airport limo nightmares are not uncommon, and avoiding them is easy if you know how to researh airport limousine services.

Get a quote in writing, and make sure that the company states the arrival time, as you've requested.

If they can't guarantee that they'll get you there in time to catch your flight, or to pick up your client, then you shouldn't bother hiring them. A reputable company will guarantee their services. A reputable limousine company will have certified commercial drivers, professional organizations from credible Limousine Operators organizations, like the National Limousine Association, or the Better Business Bureau.

Ask the company what the year, make and model of the limousine is before you agree to hire them based upon price. Imagine, picking up an important client with a rusty 1970's era limousine. You could lose the account, and just to save a few dollars. For important business related purposes, you'll want to make sure the driver is professionally dressed, and displays a respectful manner. The cigar-smoking lumberjack driver who speaks rudely to your client will not impress them at the airport. In fact, you'd be lucky if they didn't turn around and go right home.

Be sure that the company has references. There are online sites for checking the user reviews of airport limousine services all over the country. A place where users review services and companies, is like an open peek into their last experiences. One bad review might just be the result of a crabby person who likes to complain, or even a competitor trying to discredit the competition. Several bad reviews, however, are worth considering. Read them carefully for facts and make sure you're choosing a company with a well deserved, positive reputation.

Shopping for airport limousine service is more important than just finding the best price.

It's important to be sure that the service you choose will mesh well with your other travel plans, ensuring that the plane is at the airport when it's supposed to be, so that no one has to wait in a dark and creepy underground terminal, or at a baggage claim area. When you're going to the airport, it's important to know that you'll arrive on time and not miss your flight, and that you'll be dropped off at the right gate. When you're transporting clients for business purposes, it's important to know that the vehicle isn't outdated and that the driver will spoil them with concierge service, opening doors and lifting their heavy bags. Shopping for Airport Limousine services involves doing your homesowrk, check their user reviews and the better business bureau if you want to ensure that everything goes according to plan.

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. -- It has hardwood floors, 10 televisions, a killer sound system and two bars, seats 24 people, stands about 2.4 metres high and is 12 metres long.No, this isn't a mobile home for the rich and famous although Dave Brodoway's new limousine could qualify as one.

Brodoway, owner of Executive 4-Star Limousine, has the biggest and maybe baddest limo in Canada, a behemoth built on a Ford F-650 chassis. He won't divulge the price for the record, but suffice it to say, it's worth a lot more than a mobile home. With a stainless steel roof, laser lights, leather couches and the ambience of a high-class restaurant, this limousine is unique and its definitely an eyecatcher.

Driving down a busy thoroughfare, this fabulous Ford generates stares and dropped jaws from fellow motorists who are dwarfed by it. Access to the cabin is via two doors mounted at the rear of the truck and hydraulically operated steps, just in front of a set of duallies. Behind the duallies is a third axle with a single tire and rim on each side.

Brodoway had the machine custom-built in the U.S. after getting it approved by Transport Canada. "Transport Canada has very strict crash test guidelines," says Brodoway who also operates limousines built on the smaller yet still gargantuan Ford Excursion frame.

With the capacity to haul 24 passengers, the machine now gives Brodoway more versatility, especially for hauling groups of people to NHL games. Guests can operate the limousine's lighting system themselves from a panel at the back, giving them the chance to create their own interior ambience depending on use.

"It's a city bus," says Brodoway of his machine's immense size. And he can manoeuvre it with the skill of a veteran trucker, backing it smoothly into a narrow garage opening with the help of a rear view camera mounted on the dashboard.

The turning radius is either tight or the 36-year-old former Safeway worker knows how to drive a bus as good as anyone. Brodoway started his company in 2000 after 14 years in the grocery business, taking over a name and a garage with one older car-based people hauler.

Like commercial buses, the big Ford has emergency escape latches mounted on each of its darkly tinted windows. He puts mats on the hardwood floor to prevent scratches from high-heeled shoes and accidents from people slipping during wintery weather. The hardwood is an unusual feature but one which matches the rich tones of the seating.

Running the truck doesn't come cheaply. It has dual fuel tanks for the big Triton V10 engine under the massive Super Duty styled grille. Even with one tank still a quarter full, Brodoway spend $250 on diesel filling it.

Executive limousines are the top engineering in the design of the limousine for a comfortable trip in Long Island. In these limousines all thought out for small things, everything is made to distract the newlyweds on their triumph. In the presence of required air-conditioning, spacious lounge (very handy for the bride with a wide dress), soft and comfortable seats. Driving performance of this limousine will not allow you to feel the roughness of our roads.

Typically, the first class limousine sedans are the latest brands such manufacturers as Mercedes,AUDI, Volvo. They have long proved themselves only with the best hand.

Executive limousines are almost a perfect choice for JFK airports because their size is much smaller than a limousine (which enhances maneuverability in busy city traffic), but in no way inferior to them in comfort. Do what you have to hire 2 limousines for the limousine of the number of guests, which would be handled one limousine.

The cost of limousine rental representative class: 200-400 USD per hour (with driver) and 325-800 USD. per day (without driver).