History of the Limousines

The concept of having chauffeur driven vehicles dates back to the era of horse drawn carriages in the 1700s. The carriages were overstated with gold and they were drawn by the best looking animals. This service was anticipated for the wealthy. In the 1900, some of the engine powered carriages were designed with 2 compartments. The chauffeur had a covered compartment outside and the other compartment, also covered, was for the fare. The first stretch limousine was built in Arkansas in the late 1920.

These deluxe machines used to be limited to the rich and the famous. Now, many industries that provide luxury means of transportation use them as a valuable marketing tool to generate more business for their business. A client, depending on the occasion, can choose from a variety of interiors for the occasion, exterior for looks and length for accommodation. There are business only interiors, business-social interiors, wedding interiors and entertainment only interiors.

Limousines are now accessible to all including teenagers. They are choosing to travel in style to their numerous scholastic, athletic, social events and summer camps but, what is the origin of the word LIMOUSINE? The Lemovices were a Gallic tribe who established themselves in the Massif Central area including Haute-vienne, Ceuse, Corrèze and Charente territories in France.

Their capital was Durotincum (Villejoubert). Lemovices means "conquerors with the elm". The Lemovices gave their name to Limoge and to the province of Limousin. Famous products of the province of Limousin such as the Aubusson tapestries and enamels and porcelains are made in the capital city of Haute-Vienne, Limoges.

A part from these products, Limousin beef cattle have been raised here for many years and, the shepherds who began the tradition of raising this leading breed of cattle in Europe wore a long cloak associated with today's lavish means of transport called LIMOUSINE.