Chauffeur Driven Magazine Showcases International Perspectives

Ed Grech of Grech Motors is a national leader in luxury bus manufacturing. In addition to creating some of the most in-demand minicoaches in the nation, Ed Grech regularly sponsors the Chauffeur Driven Show, produced by Chauffeur Driven Magazine, an industry favorite. 

Since 2012, Chauffeur Driven Magazine has been the chauffeured ground transportation industry's most popular publication. It brings the latest developments from the transportation sector straight to readers, striving to arm them with information and help their business thrive. Chauffeur Driven recently interviewed transportation-industry operators from 15 different nations to gauge international conditions and see how the United States fits in. 

Fuel cost stood out as an area of disparity across different nations. Many foreign companies routinely pay more than $5 USD per gallon of fuel, which is often compounded by taxes approaching 50 percent. Operators in Holland and Hong Kong regularly pay more than $7 per gallon. 

The influence of the Euro has been profound in some countries. Most transportation industry operators are pleased by the changes the Euro has brought, such as improved ease of billing in international markets. Using the same currency decreases banking and transactional costs, another factor foreign operators appreciate.

Ford’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier Program - Ensuring Coach Quality

 



As head of Grech Motors in Riverside, California, Ed Grech leads the premier manufacturer of high-end bus and coaches, including Sprinter vans. Committed to quality and innovation, Ed Grech maintains his company as one that has consistently achieved certification through Ford’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) program since its launch 25 years ago.

The QVM program fills a critical industry role by ensuring Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards compliance. Involving annual facility reviews and inspections, it also ensures that vehicles meet internal conversion guidelines set by Lincoln and Ford. With continuous improvement a foundational value, QVM program participation assures customers that finished high-end products are reliable and rigorously tested.

Coachbuilders that maintain QVM program certification design their offerings with the whole vehicle in mind and well integrated capabilities and features. Grech Motors incorporates a number of innovative standard features into its models, including panoramic front-viewing windows and electric plug entry doors.