NEWS RELEASE: SMART Cars, Inc. Celebrates 20 Years Serving Chicago
As Chicago’s first-ever sedan transportation service celebrates its 20th anniversary, here’s a look back at how SMART Cars set the standard of excellence in its field.
Schiller Park, IL (PRWEB) August 18, 2014
It’s time to celebrate yet another bright Chicago idea. Twenty years ago SMART Cars, Inc. was incorporated as Chicago’s first-ever chauffeured sedan car service. Before SMART Cars, all non-taxi livery licenses in the city were held by “limousine” companies. Business travelers heading for a Chicago airport had but two uninviting options: a costly stretch limo or a time-worn Chicago taxi.
Stuart Rothstein, President and Founder of SMART Cars, Inc. [/no_width_caption]All of this changed in 1994 when SMART Cars’ founder and President Stuart Rothstein, himself a frequent high-end business traveler, saw the need for a better way to get around town. Soon he had discovered a large and untapped market for comfort, convenience and reliability far superior to that of a taxi – but costing far less than a limousine.
His epiphany was the concept of sedan service consisting of luxury sedans, operated by professional chauffeurs, working seamlessly with businesses large and small. Since then, Rothstein’s SMART Cars formula of comfort, convenience and reliability has won and maintained the loyalty of top Chicago businesses and Fortune 500 firms including ED&F Man Financial, UPS, McKinsey & Company; certainly U. of C., from whose business school Rothstein earned his M.B.A.
“I rely on SmartCars because of their safety, dependability and outstanding client service – the reservationists, dispatchers and wonderful drivers all make you feel like you’re their most important client. I highly recommend them to business colleagues, friends and family.” ~Connie Resendes, Head of Global Sales Excellence at Morningstar
In its early years, SMART Cars’ trained Chauffeurs drove clients primarily to and from Chicago’s Midway and O’Hare airports. Today, they offer transportation not only citywide and region-wide but throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and the Far East, always utilizing fully vetted affiliate organizations. A single call to SMART Cars lets you seamlessly place all of your chauffeured ground transportation reservations almost anywhere in the world.
To keep SMART Cars on the cutting edge of the rapidly evolving field of chauffeured transportation, Rothstein travels widely, attending conferences and making presentations. He has served on several boards in his field, including the National Limousine Association (NLA) and the Illinois Limousine Association (ILA).
“Advances in technology are so rapid; they’re fast separating the wheat from the chaff in our business. As head of a strictly value-driven company, I feel fortunate to use my training to keep SMART Cars ahead of the curve technologically. There’s no doubt, it’s the new technologies – in booking, communicating and asset optimization – that are creating the value demanded by upscale travelers today,” said Mr. Rothstein.
To mark its 20th anniversary, SMART Cars will soon be announcing new technological advances to further enhance the SMART Cars experience. These include:
1. A Smart Phone app for passengers to reduce reservation placement time
2. Tablets that enable easier recognition of vehicles/chauffeurs by clients
3. Reservation software to expedite “live” reservation placement
When asked, “Where will SMART Cars be 20 years from now?” CEO Stuart Rothstein replies, “If someone had done a TV show about our first years in business, we’d have put “Taxi” off the air. It was wild, uncharted territory. Today, our industry has become as demanding, professional and competitive as any. I love the fast pace, the curveball surprises we get day in and day out, but most of all, I enjoy the Chauffeurs and staff who make SMART Cars what it is: a people company serving people.”
About SMART Cars, Inc.
Since 1994, SMART Cars has been taking business and leisure travelers from point A to point B in style. You’ll experience reliable service, tastefully-appointed vehicles and professional, personalized attention from our highly trained, certified and insured chauffeurs. For over 20 years SMART Cars has remained the intelligent choice for your Chicago area ground transportation needs.
SMART Cars is here when needed and operates 24/7/365 – call now to book your ride (800) 871-7627.
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