ECB Diplomat

[Marcus]

Hi all,

Is any one operating an ECB Diplomat (Jazzed up unstretched excursion) http://ecblimo.com/limo_diplomat.cfm
We have experienced our corporate clients wanting a low profile limo (no stretch) I would think that this type of vehicle offers the full amenities of a stretch on the interior with the no flash profile ( keep the shareholders happy) on the exterior. Can you sell this at a premium over a town car? Any comments are appreciated

Thanks
marcus

[johnnyd]

Marcus,

I dont own one, however, I do, on occasion use ECB's demo that my dealer lets me take and I CAN sell it at a much higher rate. i.e., my normal 6-pax hourly is $55/hr, I get around $70-75/hr for the Diplomat. It also works wonders when it snows here (that is if you get the 4x4) and I get an even higher INCREASE for that type of work.

[ADAM]

Marcus,

We have contemplated adding one to our fleet, too. The ECB Diplomat beats the others we have seen hands down. We operate a factory Excursion which people coming here appreciate. It goes places where a Town Car would not survive and commands a premium. We tell people it is a Montana Town Car. The only reason we might add an ECB Diplomat would be as a dual use vehicle - plain enough to do airport transfers/corporate work, but an acceptable fill-in for proms, weddings and other entertainment for groups of five or fewer.

Marc Rold
Wild Horse Limousine

[Marcus]

Thanks for your comments, I think ECB has done an excellent job with the diplomat and look forward to adding one to my fleet at some point in time. It does have multi functional appeal. We to could benefit from the 4X4 aspect of the vehicle up here in the great white north.

Cheers,
Marcus

[ADAM]

Marcus,

Just where is "the great white north" you refer to? Your profile is quite sparse. Sometimes it is nice to know a little bit more about participants in the forum to better understand the context from which they speak. Since you are brave enough to post, maybe you could give us a bit more insight into where you operate at least.

Marc Rold
Wild Horse Limousine

[Marcus]

Oki Doke http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Cheers,
Marcus

[Marcus]

We take delivery of our new 2004 Diplomat this evening. I will give you an update in the next few weeks. Our customers are very excited about this new addition. http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Marcus

[Limos4You]

Is there an option to make it a 6 pass. vehicle? It seems like a waste to have the large bar area in a place where a seat could be.

[Greg@GNS]

Tiffany makes a 6 pax, but no room left for luggage.

[Wade Randolph]

Marcus did you get your Diplomat? I am strongly considering buying a new one. Did you get the model with the bench rear seat? If so does it move back and forth for extra luggage room? And how do you clients like it?

[Marcus]

Originally posted by Wade Randolph:
Marcus did you get your Diplomat? I am strongly considering buying a new one. Did you get the model with the bench rear seat? If so does it move back and forth for extra luggage room? And how do you clients like it?

Wade, yes we do have the bench seat. It is another button for the clients to play with, it is on a motorized rail system activated by a push button on the console. Lots of room for luggage when bench is moved forward and still lots of leg room. My customers have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic over this configuration. Given the choice I would forego the bench seat for the 2 captain’s chairs with work tables diplomat (http://ecblimo.com/ECB/Diplomat/diplomat.htm)as shown on the ECB site. The types of clients that truly appreciate this unit for what it is need those work stations. Turns a 5 seater into a four seater but I believe corp. clients would prefer the work space. It’s rare that 5 people use it on a corporate gig, socials on the other hand you give up one seat. The ride is a little rough, but when there is 10" on snow on the ground our clients know they will get to where they are going. Discreet exterior with luxurious interior is a concept that takes some selling, however once they try it they repeatly request the Dilomat. Add in mobile Hot spot technology and your good 2 go. The diplomat would make a fine addition to your fleet mix.

Cheers
Marcus

[luxrylimo]

Hey guys, Where do you hide the spare tire in the Diplomat? Is this unit paying for itself?
Thankx
Luxrylimo

[Marcus]

Originally posted by luxrylimo:
Hey guys, Where do you hide the spare tire in the Diplomat?

We take the spare out.


Originally posted by luxrylimo:Is this unit paying for itself?


Yes, however challenging to market. Ask me again at the end of the year.


Marcus

[Wade Randolph]

Originally posted by Marcus:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by luxrylimo:
Hey guys, Where do you hide the spare tire in the Diplomat?

We take the spare out.


Originally posted by luxrylimo:Is this unit paying for itself?


Yes, however challenging to market. Ask me again at the end of the year.


Marcus </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Marcus I am intrigued by the Diplomat. I think it serves a triple purpose vehicle. 1. Luxury sedan. 2. Low-profile SUV. 3. 2-4 passenger Luxury limousine.

Instead of adding another sedan I am seriously considering the purchase of one of these. I called the other day and spoke to your partner about your Diplomat. You were not in when I called. I am negotiating the purchase of one that is less than a year old. My main concern is Ford is going to discontinue the vehicle this year and I think the Navigator is too small compared to the Excursion Diplomat. If the price is right I am going to buy in the one I am talking about.

[Marcus]

My main concern is Ford is going to discontinue the vehicle this year and I think the Navigator is too small compared to the Excursion Diplomat. If the price is right I am going to buy in the one I am talking about.

Wade,

My partner mentioned that a gentleman with a southern draw called, I'm sorry I missed the opportunity to speak with you. We split phone duties he is the day shift, I take the night.

I would agree that the navigator would be too small; the excursion offers that awesome interior space.

Based on your website I think the diplomat would be a nice fit. It was a little premature for our fleet however there is definitely a niche market to go after. (As I said I’ll know at year end if we are completely satisfied)

What is specifically that concerns you about ford discontinuing the excursion? I'm sure the coach buliders will offer something in this new class of luxury executive transportation.

Marcus

[SilverService]

I too see the benefits of an Executive SUV conversion as a great multi-use vehicle. I've been looking at the conversions by a company in LA called LA Custom Coach. I recently came accross the Diplomat. When you were looking at aquiring this sort of vehicle, what other makers did you look at and what were your conclusions? Was there much price variance between the makers given similar options?Thanks for the help.

[TxLimoGuy]

LCW offers some nice ones too.

LCW CEO Escalade (http://www.lcwlimo.com/escalade_ceo.htm)