In the mad race to be "different" I'm fielding more calls than ever about why none of our ads seem to show-case super-duper stretches, exotic stretches, SUVS, or neo-classics. The answer is simple. From a liability standpoint, we choose to accept advertisements from conversion manufacturers who participate in the QVM and/or CMC programs, since those programs, managed by Ford and Cadillac, respectively, uphold Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Customizers who don't participate in either program may advertise as long as their products are in compliance with FMVSS.

As most of you know, all vehicles on the road must meet FMVSS. That's the law. Once a vehicle is cut and stretched, the converter becomes the manufacturer of record, which obligates it to conduct new testing. The original tests become void once more weight has been added to the vehicle.

Mandatory tests include barrier testing, such as FMVSS 135 brake performance, 301 fuel system integrity (front and rear hits), 208 occupant protection (front and side hits), and flammability tests. Typically, these tests require crash testing a limousine. In fact, all manufacturers who build QVM-approved 120s are required to conduct crash tests. The same holds true for Cadillacs up to 90 inches. The cost for this testing is about $75,000 per vehicle type.

There is no law stating that a coach builder must participate in the QVM and/or CMC programs. They can legally self-certify. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicles MUST comply with FMVSS no matter the make or model. And, if ever challenged by the government, an operator would be responsible for providing proof of compliance with FMVSS on all of his or her vehicles or the government would have the right to take them.

Not so long ago, the 120-inch super-stretch was introduced at one of our LCT Shows. The crowds went wild. For several years thereafter, operators who owned one were on the cutting edge. But, like every length we've gone to, the 120-inch eventually became a standard size for a limousine. Today, 120s are typical in just about every fleet mix.

Operators once again are wondering "what now?" Well, that's a good question. We'd be opening up a whole new can of worms with respect to safety testing if we went longer. Ford and Cadillac claim that 10 feet of stretch is already pushing the envelope. In response to the increasing demand to be different, certified coach builders have begun to really get creative with interiors and exteriors, rather than length.

Still, the quest to stand out among competition is driving operators to look at alternative vehicles, including SUVS, Hummers, stretched Mercedes, and limo-buses. If you believe you must "zig" while they "zag," I urge you to place a premium on safety. You should require engineering documentation on any non-certified vehicle you purchase so you have physical evidence that the vehicle complies with FMVSS. You wouldn't want your customers to pay the price for your desire to market unusual vehicles.

Sara Eastwood-McLean, Publisher
Limousine & Chauffeured Transportation
This article appeared in Limousine & Chauffeured Transportation, April 1999


Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM)

QVM Purpose Statement
Coach-builders who build vehicles based on Ford cars help to contribute to Ford Motor Company's success, and Ford wants to contribute to the success of the coach-builders. The goals of the Qualified Vehicle Modifier ( QVM ) program are the production of higher quality vehicles and improved customer satisfaction.

The program is open to the builders of limousines and professional cars, i.e.: hearse/6-door family car/24 hour cars. This is a voluntary program open to any builder in these segments, and each builder will be rated on the same basis. The program is intended to concentrate on the process of design and manufacturing controls and is not intended to, nor will Ford, endorse any vehicle produced.


Limo & Livery

Competitors come and go, but Lincoln Town Car remains, poised to provide the quality, comfort and reliability your livery fleet business demands. Rear-wheel-drive performance and strong body-on-frame construction combine to produce the smooth, luxurious ride that's the very heart and soul of the limousine experience. It's what those who hire your specially outfitted vehicles want more than anything else.

Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) Limousines

When considering a limousine conversion, join the 8 out of 10 limousine operators that choose the Lincoln Town Car or Ford Excursion. Both vehicles have proven themselves as having the quality, durability and value to make your business succeed. To be sure of getting a conversion that meets Lincoln's high quality and safety standards, look for Lincoln Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM). The QVM Program represents a proactive approach by Ford Motor Company to help improve the integrity and quality of Town Car and Excursion conversions. It is a cooperative effort by which we share our technical expertise on the Town Car and Excursion with participating coachbuilders, thereby assisting them in improving the safety and quality of their finished conversions.

Renting a Limousine:

If you are planning to rent a limousine, the National Limousine Association, the Limousine Industry Manufacturer's Organization [LIMO] and Ford Motor Company strongly recommend that you only ride in limousines that are built by manufacturer certified Coachbuilders.

Lincoln's certification program is called, "QVM" which stands for Qualified Vehicle Modifier. The rules governing the QVM program are stringent and are designed with the vehicle capabilities in mind.

QVM rules state that only Lincoln Town Cars and Ford Excursions are approved for conversion into a stretch limousine. In addition, QVM rules specify that a Town Car or Excursion can only be stretched 120" (basically, about twice the size). In addition the maximum passenger capacity for a stretch Town Car under the QVM guidelines is eight and for the Excursion it is nine plus a driver.

No Navigator Limousines:
At this time Lincoln does not support the conversion of the Lincoln Navigator into a stretch limousine. While we believe the Navigator is a safe vehicle in its original format, it has NOT been tested as a stretch limousine and we cannot presently certify Navigator limousines under our QVM standards. Lincoln believes that the use of these vehicles as stretch limousine at this time is a violation of United States trademark laws and is suing in federal court to stop such unauthorized conversions.


What Qualifies A Coachbuilder To Become A QVM?

To qualify as a QVM, a coachbuilder must be successfully evaluated by Ford Motor Company on criteria such as engineering, the manufacturing process, quality control, and adherence to Lincoln guidelines. Specifically, the QVM Program requires the following from coachbuilders:

• Compliance with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
• Conformance with all Lincoln and Ford industry guidelines for vehicle conversions.
• Annual facility inspection and review.
• A commitment to continuous improvement.

1. What is the operating permit number (P.U.C. License Number)?
2. What is the size of the limo in INCHES?
3. How many miles are on the vehicle?
4. Who is the coach builder of the stretches?
5. Are they Q.V.M. (Qualified Vehicle Modifier)?
6. What does the VIN number start with (1L1 is QVM)?

Vehicle	Pass	Hours	Rate	Gratuity	STF	TOTAL	Extra Hrs
Town Car	4	6	$45.00	20% $9.00	5% $2.25	$337.50	$56.25
L Town Car	4	6	$50.00	20% $10.00	5% $2.50	$375.00	$62.50
Navigator	6	6	$65.00	20% $14.00	5% $3.25	$487.50	$81.25
85" Stretch	8	6	$75.00	20% $15.00	5% $3.75	$562.50	$93.75
120" Stretch	8	6	$95.00	20% $19.00	5% $4.75	$712.50	$118.75
120" Stretch	10	6	$110.00	20% $22.00	5% $5.50	$825.00	$137.50

What do we offer that other companies don't?

1. Day Time Running Lights in all vehicles.
2. GPS monitoring systems to insure vehicle are not speeding.
3. GPS Location system to insure vehicle is with Client.
4. 15 years of service. P.U.C. LL-139.
5. We have a USDOT #970909 MC-413507-P&C
6. We have 1.5 million dollars of liability insurance.
7. Largest ALL BLACK FLEET of Vehicles.

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