However, the meeting of the German chauffeur association, VLD, also had reassuring elements: chauffeur companies in Germany are confident that customers will continue to appreciate the uniqueness and quality of their services in the future.
Although smaller than the taxi industry, the chauffeur industry in Germany is still large with approximately 10,000 businesses and revenues of around €1 billion annually. These are the figures presented by the German Association of Chauffeurs and Limousine Service Providers (VLD e.V.) on Friday, November 18, 2016, at a meeting in Berlin. As an important part of the economy, the chauffeur industry must address some pressing challenges in the coming years.
Taxis still have a stronger lobby
According to the VLD, the taxi and chauffeur companies are currently represented by the German association BZP. As reported by VLD, the former appears to mostly represent the interests of the taxi industry - resulting in significant disadvantages for drivers, such as the lack of designated drop-off spots, to name a few. In addition, the fact that driver's cars are not officially branded poses a threat to the profession - their cars are often confused with similar-looking private cars. These are just a few examples provided by VLD and confirmed by current driver companies. The next step is for the association to engage with politicians and lobby for the interests of their industry.
Technology - the engine of change
As the commuting landscape evolves, new modes of transportation are constantly being introduced to the market. Vividly, the group discussed how to address these challenges and how much of a ride-hailing platform or autonomous vehicle could actually be an alternative to chauffeur service. As customer preferences evolve with technological development, with new technology-savvy generations growing up and expats coming to Germany, booking habits and other transportation preferences also increase. However, the attendees remained confident that there will always be customers who will appreciate the added value of such outstanding, highly customer-focused service. And that a truly customer-oriented and agile profession is more likely to watch and adapt to upcoming changes and challenges.