CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES: CARMEGGEDON AND GREAT IDEAS FOR THE WEEKEND



Summer in Southern California . . . we all know what that means – street/highway construction.  Today, I drove to an appointment by St. Joseph’s in Orange and encountered a major delay due to the widening of Main Street.  But this weekend, all our nightmares come true (if the press and government entities are to be believed) ----CARMEGEDDON.

Yes, in what seems lunacy to anyone who travels our local freeways, they are closing – and I do not mean one or two lines but the entire 405 Freeway over the Sepulveda Pass.  The closure is predicted to impact every freeway in the Los Angeles area as people seek alternate routes.  Current estimates predict 25 mile gridlock on every freeway with a minimum two hour delay in arriving at your destination.

But we live in Orange County so there is no need to head north into the CARMEGEDDON of L.A.  Following are a few suggestions:

ü  O.C. FAIR – Starting July 15^th, this year’s theme is LET’S EAT! Several all-star chefs will be featuring his/her cuisines, offering an incredible fare far surpassing the usual funnel cake offerings.  The Summer Concert Season has drawn some great performers, starting with Bob Dylan for the inaugural concert.  For more information, please visit their website at http://www.ocfair.com/2011

ü  SAWDUST FESTIVAL – Running through August 28^th, 2011, I highly recommend this unique event.  Artisans, employing every medium, showcase their amazing works.  With great food, incredible art and the SAWDUST SALOON offering local brews and wine, it’s a great day in Laguna Beach.  For more info:  www.sawdustartfestival.com

ü  THE COACH HOUSE – An iconic location for great blues and rock music, they kicked off their summer season with the incomparable J.D.SOUTHER.  Check out their website for other great performances:  www.thecoachhouse.com

ü  OC PERFORMANING ARTS CENTER – Since its inception, this center has grown to a world class venue, offering a wide range of genres.  Plan a delightful day with your children (or grandchildren).  Currently, on the SEGERSTROM STAGE, is MARY POPPINS.  Its whimsy and pure delight still engage children of all ages.  For tickets and performance times, please visit their website at  www.scfta.org/home/Events

 I would be remiss not to mention that CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES has special summertime specials on transportation.  Let us know what your plans may be and we can recommend a vehicle that is well-appointed, immaculately detailed and fully stocked.  Whether it is a group of 30 requiring a limo bus, a family of eight for a limousine or just two people who need a town car service, we can help you.  Let us worry about traffic, parking and any construction obstacles as you sit back and enjoy the benefits of a professional transportation service.  For more information, please call us at 714.288.8853.  We are available 24/7 to help you plan the perfect day or evening out.

CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES: TRANSPORTATION TO LONG BEACH GRAND PRIX

America's Street Race is a four day festival of speed that features six races headlined by the IZOD IndyCar Series.  The course located along Long Beach’s harbor offers activities for everyone in the family and is a great outing with friends or a team building event for your employees.    Below is this year’s schedule of events:

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

7:15 - 9:15AM:   American Le Mans Series (ALMS) Practice
9:35 - 9:55AM:   Team Drifting Demonstration
10:00 - 11:15AM:   IZOD IndyCar Series Practice
11:30AM – NOON:   Toyota Pro/Celebrity Practice
12:15 - 1:15PM:  Firestone Indy Lights Practice
2:25 - 3:25PM: IndyCar Practice
3:40 - 4:10PM: Toyota Pro/Celebrity Qualifying
4:00 - 5:00PM: IndyCar All-Driver Autograph Session (IZOD IndyCar Series Paddock)
4:20 - 4:45PM: Pirelli World Challenge Championships Practice
5:00 - 6:30PM: ALMS Qualifying
6:30 - 7:30PM: Tecate Light Fiesta Friday Concert
7:00PM: Toyota Grand Prix Charity Ball at the Westin Long Beach

 SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2011

7:15 - 7:45AM: World Challenge Practice
8:00 - 8:45AM:  Firestone Indy Lights Practice
8:55 - 9:20AM: Team Drifting Demonstration
10:25 - 11:25AM: IndyCar Practice – Split Groups
11:40AM – 12:40PM: Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race
12:55 - 1:55PM:  Firestone Indy Lights Qualifying
2:30 - 3:50PM:  IndyCar Qualifying & Firestone Fast 6
4:30 - 6:30PM:  TEQUILA PATRÓN AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES RACE (120 minutes)
6:45PM:   Tecate Light Rock-N-Roar Concert (Featuring "JOHN KAY & STEPPENWOLF")

 SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2011

8:00 - 8:15AM: Firestone Indy Lights Practice
8:25 - 8:55AM: World Challenge Qualifying
9:15 - 9:45AM: IndyCar Practice
10:40AM: Grid Firestone Indy Lights Cars/Indy Lights Pre-Race
11:05AM - 12:05PM: Firestone Indy Lights Race
12:30PM: IZOD IndyCar Series Pre-Race Ceremonies
1:15 - 3:30PM: Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (Race number 3 of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series)
3:40 - 3:55PM: Team Drifting Challenge
4:15 - 5:15PM: Pirelli World Challenge Championships Presented by Stop Tech Race

Tickets are still available for events.  For more information, please check out their website: www.gplb.com.  Last year, over 200,000 people attended the Long Beach Grand Prix.  Parking is difficult and the traffic is heavy around the harbor area.  Classique Limousines is offering special VIP transportation packages.  We still have everal SUV’s available for smaller groups, ten passenger limousines and 30 passenger limousine buses for larger groups.  For more information please call us at our office:  714.288.8853.

CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES: LIMOUSINE SERVICES FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

Valentine's Day, celebrated every year on February 14, is the traditional day of lovers. The origin of this romantic holiday can be traced back to a Catholic Church feast day, in honor of Saint Valentine. The day is now associated with cards, flowers and presents that are given to a loved one as a symbol of one's affection.

Unlike many holidays during the year that are meant to be celebrated with friends and family, Valentine's Day is the one day out of the year reserved for your significant other. Show your love by treating that special person to a beautiful evening that starts with a limousine arriving, driven by a uniformed chauffeur.  Our limousines will be decorated for this special evening and we are providing complimentary bars (including champagne).

 

For a more intimate experience, choose one of our town cars, Mercedes S550 or Hybrid Yukons.  But whatever you do, please plan ahead.  Availability is limited that evening. 

CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES - 714.288.8853

CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES: TRANSPORTATION TO WINTER FORMALS AND PROMS IN ORANGE COUNTY

Winter Formals have already started with the Prom season soon to follow. And, as always happens, many schools hold their dances on the same date, making certain evening very busy. Plan ahead and call Classique Limousines to book your Limousine, SUV Limousine or Limousine Bus now. Availability is limited and the longer you wait the more difficult it will be to find a reputable company with quality vehicles at competitive prices.

When booking remember to ask the following questions:

1. What is the “all-inclusive” rate?

Many companies will provide a “base rate” only with an additional 30% added to additional fees and the driver’s gratuity

2. Are you licensed with the California Public Utility Commission and what is your “TCP” number? Licensing insures proper insurance coverage, random drug testing for drivers and compliance with all state and federal statutes

3. Can I see your vehicles?

Yes, anyone can copy/paste stock photographs of vehicles onto a website. Do your homework and visit the company’s location to insure that the beautiful limousine you thought you booked is the same one that arrives at your home for your special evening

School dances are special events that will become cherished memories. Let Classique Limousines help make the evening memorable. With over twenty years experience providing transportation in Southern California, our reservationist will work with you to plan the perfect evening. For more information on our rates, services and availability please give us a call at our office – 714.288.8853.

CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES: TRANSPORTATION TO NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE



The 102nd Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, will celebrate the city's film heritage with the theme "Lights, Camera...Christmas in Newport Beach." As Newport Beach's Christmas Card to the world, the boat parade will set the harbor ablaze for five consecutive nights, beginning Wednesday, December 15 and ending Sunday, December 19, 2010. The parade starts at Bay Island at 6:30 pm and finishes at the same site at approximately 9:00 pm each evening.

Beautiful multi-million dollar yachts, kayaks, canoes and other small boats will light up the harbor as a dazzling array of holiday lights and music fill the air. Many of the boats will be richly decorated with animated Christmas scenes accompanied by music and costumed carolers. The Christmas floats will wind their way some 14 miles around the harbor to give viewers in restaurants, yacht clubs, on public beaches, and in private homes an incredible sight that has delighted millions of people for a century. The Christmas Boat Parade is truly a magical holiday tradition for all ages and continues to be a premier event during the holiday season in Southern California that brings joy and happiness to all that view it.

Make the Christmas Boat Parade the “centerpiece” of a special holiday celebration with family, friends, employees or clients. Traffic and parking is always difficult; treat yourself and guests to chauffeured transportation. We have special packages available – towncars if it’s only the two of you, SUV’s for parties of six or less, luxury limousines for up to ten passengers and SUV Limousines and limousine buses for larger groups. Enjoy the complimentary bar as you sip a holiday cocktail and we set the mood with decorations and music. For more information please call us at 714.288.8853.



CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES ANNOUNCES TRIAL OF MERCEDES-BENZ R350

Classique Limousines, a leader in ground transportation in Southern California announces participation in testing the Mercedes-Benz R350 BlueTEC vehicle to replace the traditional Lincoln Town Car as the vehicle of choice for the livery industry.

Kevin Illingworth, owner of Classique Limousines recently met Mick Morris, Manager Fleet Operations Mercedes-Benz at the Atlantic City Limousine Digest Show.   Classique Limousines is a of environmental sustainability and Mr. Illingworth has discussed what can be done with our affiliate companies throughout the United States. Mr. Frank Gomez, National Account Manager Mercedes-Benz approached Mr. Illingworth and asked him to participate in the trial study of the vehicle. The goal of Mercedes-Benz is that the R350 BlueTEC will become the vehicle of choice in the livery industry to replace the traditional Lincoln Town Car that Ford is suspending production on as of 2011.

On November 17, 2010 Classique Limousines received delivery of the R350 which Mr. Illingworth is driving and testing for its viability as a livery vehicle. He was immediately impressed with the handling, roominess and luggage capacity. Another key point about the R350 is the size of the front windshield and minimal blind spots that has become an issue on newer model vehicles from other companies. Other impressive features are the ease of syncing cell phones to the vehicles Bluetooth system, allowing drivers to be more focused and not fumbling with headsets; additional “jump” seats making third row of seating available for as directed runs; GPS system that is easy to use with clear graphics; reverse camera when backing up, giving the driver needed visibility.

Mr. Illingworth is considering this vehicle when adding to his fleet. With the BlueTEC technology that converts polluting nitrogen oxide into harmless nitrogen and water is impressive; and the result is a significant reduction in pollutants, making the BlueTEC diesel engine smoother, more efficient and quieter yet also more robust. Mr. Illingworth believes the R350’s fuel efficiency is needed in our industry and will bring Classique Limousines one step closer to its goals of environmental sustainability and zero carbon emissions.

For more information on the services we provide and our efforts to reduce carbon emissions, please contact Carolyn Kent, General Manager at 714.288.8853.

CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES HONORS OUR VETERANS

HAPPY VETERANS DAY TO THE SOLDIERS, SAILORS, AIRMEN AND MARINES!

CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES wishes to extend a sincere thank you to those who have served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces. The sacrifices are great – months away from family, from friends, from home; life in a hostile environment where even the smallest decision can mean the difference between life and death. For those of us who do not know such perils, we many times do not realize that we are surrounded by people who at one time or another laid down their lives for our freedom. Today, on VETERAN’S DAY, we honor those brave individuals who have assured our freedom through their unselfish service to our country.

As a small gesture, CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES is offering a 10%  discount to veterans on all services booked Sunday through Thursday in the month of November.  For more information please give us a call at 714.288.8853.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation

is not to utter words, but to live them.” ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy