The first automobile limousine, built in 1902, was designed so the driver sat outside under a covered compartment.The word limousine is derived from the name of the French region Limousin, because this covered compartment physically resembled the cloak hood worn by the shepherds there. An alternate etymology has the chauffeur wearing a Limousin-style cloak in the open driver's compartment, for protection from the weather.
The limousine body style has a divider separating the driver from the rear passenger compartment.This partition usually contains a sliding (often soundproof) glass window so that conversations between passengers in the rear compartment may be kept private from the chauffeur. Communication with the driver is possible either by opening the window in the partition or by using an intercom system.
Traditionally, the limousine has been an extension of a large car. A longer frame and wheelbase allow the rear passenger compartment to contain the usual forward-facing passenger seat but with a substantial amount of foot room — more than is actually needed. Usually then two "jump seats" are mounted, facing rearward behind the driver. These seats fold up when not in use. In this way, up to five persons can be carried in the aft compartment in comfort, and up to two additional persons carried in the driver's compartment, for a total capacity of seven passengers in addition to the driver. This type of seat configuration has however become less popular in recent limousines, although this design without the two front passenger seats is still characteristic of London's famous Black Cabs.
A limousine (or limo) is a luxury vehicle sedan or saloon car, especially one with a lengthened wheelbase or driven by a chauffeur. The chassis of a limousine may have been extended by the manufacturer or by an independent coachbuilder. These are referred to as "stretch" limousines and are traditionally black or white in color.
Limousines are usually liveried vehicles, driven by professional chauffeurs. As the most expensive form of automobile ground transportation, limousines are culturally associated with extreme wealth or power, and are commonly cited as an example of conspicuous consumption. Among the less wealthy, limousines are also often hired during special events (most commonly weddings and funerals).
While some limousines are owned by individuals, many are owned by governments to transport senior politicians, by large companies to transport executives, or by broadcasters to transport guests[citation needed]. Most stretch limousines, however, operate as livery vehicles, providing upmarket competition to taxicabs.
Builders of stretch limousines purchase stock cars from manufacturers and modify them, and most are located in the United States and Europe and cater mainly to limousine companies. Few stretch limousines are sold new to private individuals. In addition to luxuries, security features such as armoring and bulletproof glass are available.
Newer limousines such as the Maybach 62, Rolls Royce Phantom, Audi A8L, Volkswagen Phaeton, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Jaguar XJ, BMW 7-Series, Lincoln Town Car Edition, and the Cadillac DTS do not feature jump seats since stretch limousines are usually used to transport more than three passengers, excluding the driver. In production American limousines however, the jump seats almost always faced forward. The last production limousine, by Cadillac, with forward-facing jump seats was in 1987 (with their Fleetwood Series 75 car), the last Packard in 1954, and the last Lincoln in 1939, though Lincoln has offered limousines through their dealers as special order vehicles at times. Several Lincoln Premier cars were also built, one being owned by Elvis Presley. Vehicles of this type in private use may contain expensive audio players, televisions, video players, and bars, often with refrigerators.
Traditional limousines today are Lincoln Towncar Stretch and Super Stretch Limousines. They are typically available in several models typically referred to by limousine companies as 6 passenger limousines, 8 passenger limousines, and 10 passenger limousines. The 6 passenger stretch limousines have two opposing seats, and seat 4 adults comfortable and up to 6 passengers maximum. The physical Length of these Limos are stretched 80 inches from a standard vehicle. The 8 passenger Super Stretch limousines have two opposing seats with a middle section, or a rear seat and a J configuration seat. The physical Length of these Limos are stretched 100 inches from a standard vehicle. The 10 passenger ultra stretch limousines have a rear seat and a long J configuration seat. They seat 8 adults comfortable and up to 10 passengers maximum. Sometimes they also have a "fifth door" at the end of the J seat to allow wedding parties and larger groups easier access in and out of the limo. The physical length of these limos are stretched 120 inches from a standard vehicle.
The first automobile limousine, built in 1902, was designed so the driver sat outside under a covered compartment.The word limousine is derived from the name of the French region Limousin, because this covered compartment physically resembled the cloak hood worn by the shepherds there. An alternate etymology has the chauffeur wearing a Limousin-style cloak in the open driver's compartment, for protection from the weather.
The limousine body style has a divider separating the driver from the rear passenger compartment.This partition usually contains a sliding (often soundproof) glass window so that conversations between passengers in the rear compartment may be kept private from the chauffeur. Communication with the driver is possible either by opening the window in the partition or by using an intercom system.
Limousines are usually liveried vehicles, driven by professional chauffeurs. As the most expensive form of automobile ground transportation, limousines are culturally associated with extreme wealth or power, and are commonly cited as an example of conspicuous consumption. Among the less wealthy, limousines are also often hired during special events (most commonly weddings and funerals).
While some limousines are owned by individuals, many are owned by governments to transport senior politicians, by large companies to transport executives, or by broadcasters to transport guests[citation needed]. Most stretch limousines, however, operate as livery vehicles, providing upmarket competition to taxicabs. 
Builders of stretch limousines purchase stock cars from manufacturers and modify them, and most are located in the United States and Europe and cater mainly to limousine companies. Few stretch limousines are sold new to private individuals. In addition to luxuries, security features such as armoring and bulletproof glass are available.
Newer limousines such as the Maybach 62, Rolls Royce Phantom, Audi A8L, Volkswagen Phaeton, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Jaguar XJ, BMW 7-Series, Lincoln Town Car Edition, and the Cadillac DTS do not feature jump seats since stretch limousines are usually used to transport more than three passengers, excluding the driver. In production American limousines however, the jump seats almost always faced forward. The last production limousine, by Cadillac, with forward-facing jump seats was in 1987 (with their Fleetwood Series 75 car), the last Packard in 1954, and the last Lincoln in 1939, though Lincoln has offered limousines through their dealers as special order vehicles at times. Several Lincoln Premier cars were also built, one being owned by Elvis Presley. Vehicles of this type in private use may contain expensive audio players, televisions, video players, and bars, often with refrigerators.
Traditional limousines today are Lincoln Towncar Stretch and Super Stretch Limousines. They are typically available in several models typically referred to by limousine companies as 6 passenger limousines, 8 passenger limousines, and 10 passenger limousines. The 6 passenger stretch limousines have two opposing seats, and seat 4 adults comfortable and up to 6 passengers maximum. The physical Length of these Limos are stretched 80 inches from a standard vehicle. The 8 passenger Super Stretch limousines have two opposing seats with a middle section, or a rear seat and a J configuration seat. The physical Length of these Limos are stretched 100 inches from a standard vehicle. The 10 passenger ultra stretch limousines have a rear seat and a long J configuration seat. They seat 8 adults comfortable and up to 10 passengers maximum. Sometimes they also have a "fifth door" at the end of the J seat to allow wedding parties and larger groups easier access in and out of the limo. The physical length of these limos are stretched 120 inches from a standard vehicle.
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