Licensed Carriage Hire Road Trip

Recently, all of the staff at Licensed Carriage Hire enjoyed a VIP day at Mercedes-Benz Brooklands. Over the 3 days, our transport and office staff spent the day on and off the track understanding the history of the brand and to look at the full range of vehicles.

With a guided tour of the museum, we walked through the history of Mercedes-Benz, from Carl Benz making his first car, or what he called a "Motorwagen" in 1886 which was on display, to how Benz, Wilhelm Maybach and Gottieb Daimler developed the internal combustion engine. 

There were a large number of vehicles on display from several models of the Maybach, to Lewis Hamilton's 2014 F1 Hybrid and, in my own personal opinion, the most stunning Mercedes-Benz ever made, the 300SL, the "Gulwing". The majority of the exhibition vehicles on show are donated to Mercedes-Benz by private individuals or companies for a limited time, but all are exemplary models of the heritage of the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Racing has been important to the brand since their decision to develop a new racing car in 1934, competing at the International Eifel which took place at the Nurburgring. With the first start came the first victory, the cars stripped of their white paint to save on weight later became known as the Silver Arrows. 

The AMG Petronas F1 Team and the F1 W06 Hybrid car in 2015 has also had a dominant season, earning record constructor points and twelve 1-2 finishes and each car not completing a race only once. The W05 car was on display and only weighing around 700kg could be easily moved with the effort of 1 finger.

While there are also a number of other F1 vehicles from the years including the Force India F1 car and one of Mika Hakkinan's winning McLaren Mercedes. The pinnacle of the F1 display is a breath-taking piece of automotive art entitled View Suspended II.

Then the competitive steak came out of the team as they were then assessed on their driving capabilities driving a Mercedes-AMG C63 or E63. From steering under extreme breaking, drifting and hot laps on the track, the instructors were being tough on the scoring. Our accounts department did very well with some of those who drive day in and day out being that little bit more reserved. Drifting on the wet surface was more difficult for some than others but one member of staff did manage to do a lap and a half of the ring fully drifting. The instructors were very highly skilled but also very patient with some of those who thought they had the driving ability of Nico Rosberg but really more like Derek Trotter. We also saw the limits and performance of the vehicles as the instructors took us out for hot laps around the track.

Thank you to all the staff at Brooklands for looking after us over the 3 days, it is well worth a visit if you have not been before!

Luxury as standard from Licensed Carriage Hire

In building a business dedicated in supporting the chauffeur industry, Licensed Carriage Hire has set a high bar. Every element of our business is designed to provide an efficient, effortless but superior rental vehicle experience.

Client's Comforts

Stretch your legs

With our range of Mercedes-Benz S-Class LWB, BMW 7 Series and Jaguar XJL from Licensed Carriage Hire your rear passengers have the comfort of relaxing in not only lavish leather rear reclining seats but with added leg room, electronically operated blinds and automatic climate control.

Privacy

All the vehicles in the fleet come with privacy glass as standard in the rear ensuring your clients the secrecy they require while they are chaffered to their destination. 

Tranquillity

With a choice of the latest models and range of engines including diesel, hybrid or 5.0litre V8, you can rest assured that your driver can offer the smoothest and quietest ride to any client.

Travel in Style

Make an impression

With all the current models available and less than 2 years old, Licensed Carriage Hire ensures your chauffeur business portrays not only the right but a lasting impression.

Stand out from the crowd

With all vehicles available in silver or black and with AMG line on a selection of our Mercedes-Benz vehicles, you can give your clients the look they require for a business meeting, PR event or just a shopping trip down Bond Street.

Luxury Extras

From Panoramic Sunroofs, TV, DVD, Entertainment, Remote Control, Rear Massaging Seats, Wireless Headphones, Rear Heated Seats and Rear Business tables are just a small selection of some other options we have on our range of vehicles

Variety

With Small, Medium and Large Executive Saloon's, MPV and 4x4 the fleet at Licensed Carriage Hire gives your business the flexibility to offer your clients a range of vehicles to suit their needs.

At Your Service

Personalise your requirement

Licensed Carriage Hire only cater for the chauffeur vehicle industry, so whether you're a chauffeur, security company, concierge, private jet transfer service, a corporate, family or a private driver, we build a quote around your requires irrespective of the duration of hire.

Flexability

If you need to hire a vehicle for a day, a week, a month or longer, or your client's plans change last minute, LCH gives you the ability to manage your requirement as and when you need.

Appearance

LCH understands the importance of a pristine vehicle not only when it is delivered but every day of its use, that is why all our customers are entitled to unlimited valets on their rental vehicle for the duration of the hire from our partners at the American Car Wash and their locations in London.

Effortless supply

From the moment you pick up the phone or email a request, LCH will manage the full reservation process and whether you're a previous customer or new, the delivery of the vehicle will continue while we collect and supply the relevant paperwork for your rental.

Peace of mind

LCH can supply you with a vehicle on our Collision Damage Waiver which covers the vehicle for hire and reward purposes and includes airside coverage. All customers have the choice to drive on the standard excess or can chose to reduce it if they wish for the duration of the rental. 

For further information, contact a member of our sales team on 0345 890 1000 or visit our website at lchltd.com 

The All New 2016 Jaguar XF

Jaguar XF - Is this now a class leader?

The diversity of the chauffeur vehicle fleet is forever growing with manufacturers competing to offer drivers and their client's additional rear leg and head space, boot capacity, comfort and class leading technology

Enter into the equation the all new 2016 Jaguar XF. With its innovative deign and refined engineering delivering a product that not only supports the demands of the chauffeur driver but the luxury and comfort for any passenger. 

Starting at £33,445, for the XF PRESTIGE which comes with Dual Zone Climate Control, Navigation, DVD and Keyless Start as standard, it is a serious contender to other vehicles in that market like the Mercedes-Benz E220 and BMW 520d. The 6x6 way electric seat covered with Bond grain leather offers the driver comfort and flexibility for those longer days on the road.

The higher model line is the XF PORTFOLIO with soft leather heated seats in the rear as standard along with Navigation, DVD and Meridian Sound System retails at £37,140. In addition you also get Bluetooth Audio Streaming, front and rear parking aid cameras and blind spot monitor all come included on this class leading model line.

If you still want to add the already impressive line up of standard extras, there are also a full line of options you can choose from including rear seat iPad holder, cordless headphones, central armrest chiller/warmer, sunshades and sill treat plates all designed to offer your clients a more pleasurable ride experience and appearance of the XF.

'Ingenium' is the new engine family of Jaguar offering class leading specifications in performance and efficiency. The entry level power unit is the 2.2 litre 163BHP Turbocharged diesel exhaling emissions of just 129g/km of CO2 and offer up to 57 MPG. For a bit more 'imph' there is also a 2.2 litre 200BHP with 0-60MPH in 8 seconds and 54 MPG.

The XF like its big brother the XJ, offers several different driving modes to cater for the drive ahead. Its 8-speed gearbox with close range ratios gives outstanding driver feedback through instantaneous response while ensuring maximum efficiency from retaining the rev range longer. 

Up front for the driver there is an abundance of technology, the majority controlled from the touch screen offering assistance for the journey and cabin climate control. The 'InControl' system gives the driver complete flexibility in the set-up and ambiance of the vehicle. In this modern day where data is frequently exchanged, the 'InContorol' system also has the capability to seamlessly work with your mobile device for data and media enhancing the driving experience.

Although shorter in length than the old car, the latest XF rides on a longer wheelbase, said to improve ride comfort as well as provide considerably more rear passenger space.

Importantly, those improvements haven't impacted rear head, knee and legroom, all of which have increased by some margin over its predecessor. Nor have they affected the car's coupe-like design, thanks to the rear bench set lower than on the previous version.

The Jaguar XF brings an all rounded offering to the chauffeur market and while it is at a competitively priced product, the quality, luxury and standard of equipment is in no way compromised.

Click here to view further information on the XF and other Jaguar products. 

The all new 2016 BMW 7 Series now on fleet!

Licensed Carriage Hire is privileged to take delivery of the new BMW 7 Series this week. We have taken a closer look at the car to understand it a little further and if it is going to knock its rivals off top chauffeur vehicle spot.

BMW have always put the driver first, the range of vehicles available today and their performance, efficiency and kerb appeal have always been at the hugest standard. This though sometimes has affected its chauffeur appeal, as being a rear seated passenger still encounters the highest level of luxury but slightly lacking in a lower league when it comes to its top rival, the Mercedes Benz S Class.


The all new BMW 7 Series has spent many months in development and its brief was to be a 'class leader' not only in technology, but in luxury for both the rear and passenger. The new generation boasts 25 technology innovations, 14 industry firsts and while a dynamic experience was key in the new product, the rear compartment luxury was top of the 'to do list' designers brief. 





Half of all sales for the 7 Series are expected to be into the chauffeur market which is why you will find that on the LD models an electric sunroof, roller sun blind for rear window and a slightly different exterior design will set it apart from the standard wheelbase models.





From xDrive four wheel drive to interior gesture control for the radio and phone calls, this car almost makes some of its newest rivals look dated. Make no mistake, with standard air suspension and a remote parking feature that allows you to park the car while standing outside; this is a very clever car indeed.




Whether you think it's a stylish one is another matter. On the face of it the 7 Series might not look drastically different in profile or from the rear but up front it's a different story, with a new over sized grill and wide lights with eye catching LEDs. If that's not enough, from the middle of next year, you'll also be able to specify a front passenger's seat that rotates and folds out into a footrest. With your rear seat fully reclined, it'll be about as close as you can get to being in bed.

Under the bonnet there are a couple of different are a couple of different options but most chauffeurs would look at the diesels of which there are 2 choices, both 3.0-litre diesel come with 265bhp (in the 730d) or 320bhp (in the 740d). A plug-in hybrid electric version capable of just 49g/km is due next year, as is a flagship 6.0-litre V12.



The 'Touch Command' Samsung tablet opens up a whole world of apps and media from the rear seat to the pair of 10.2-inch displays, is removable from the car and integrates very nicely into the Executive Lounge rear console.

Other features include Wi-Fi, the Welcome Light Carpet, using LEDs in the side skirts to bathe the car's perimeter in light when it's dark and the impressive and wireless charging for your mobile phone. Then there is the key fob which you can get data on the vehicle including servicing information, fuel range and next year will enable you to remote control the car into a tight parking space while you watch from outside the vehicle. 

There are many improvements to this new 7 Series on its predecessor all of which are positive especially for the chauffeur sector. A smooth drive, luxurious feel and comfort for the driver and all passengers along with some ground breaking technology.

LCH have 730Ld, 740Li and 730d X-Drive on fleet available for hire. Contact our sales team on 0345 890 1000 for further information. 

Licensed Carriage Hire Fleet Update

Over the past few months, here at Licensed Carriage Hire we have been expanding our fleet, not only to ensure availability but also to add further depth and diversity to the model rang for our customers and your drivers. 

The LCH fleet has grown by over 23% in the last 3 months alone and we now boast an impressive rang of executive chauffeur vehicles from the Mercedes C300 AMG Line Hybrid to the fully loaded Range Rover Autobiography LWB. Below is a small selection of the vehicles we had added and some of the great additional features they offer for the convenience of your clients:

Mercedes C Class

C300 Hybrid AMG Line
C220 Sport

Mercedes E Class

E200
E300 Hybrid

Mercedes S Class

The Mercedes S Class is to date, the chauffeurs vehicle of choice when it comes to executive luxury; along with the S500 and S400 we also have a large range of S350 on fleet including the following, which all include rear executive seating for the comfort of your client

S350 LWB SE 
S350 LWB AMG Line

Mercedes V Class

The latest release from Mercedes Benz is the V Class. Here at LCH we were one of the first companies in the UK to receive delivery of this highly comfortable and versatile vehicle. All our V Classes are available in either black or silver and with the seating configuration of your choice

V220 SE XLWB

Range Rover

As well as the Range Rover Autobiography LWB we also have the Range Rover Vogue on our fleet. Both models all high spec with rear entertainment and TV with cordless headphones, Meridian audio, automatic retracting side steps (only available on the Autobiography, fixed side steps are available on the Vogue) and Panoramic sunroof

Autobiography 4.4l LWB

Audi

As well as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Range Rover and Jaguar to name a few, we have expanded our fleet with the addition of Audi. With rear TV entertainment, rear executive seats and BOSE surround sound, the Audi is an excellent choice for your executive chauffeuring needs

A8L SE 3.01 Quattro

For full fleet and vehicle details you can visit our website

All of our vehicles can be delivered to the location of your choice complete with Licensed Carriage Hire's 'Collision Damage Waiver' which covers you for Hire and Reward for the duration of your rental. 

You can contact a member of our sales team on 0345 890 1000 for details on these or any other vehicles from our range.