Travelling in style, comfort and luxury is vital for VIPs, business leaders and celebrities to reach important events and look their best doing it, which is why the right chauffeur service is a vital element for anyone who wants to be taken seriously on a national or global stage.
They allow for important work to be completed, discreet discussions to be undertaken and a chance to rest and recuperate following lengthier parts of your journey.
The need for a chauffeur predates the existence of the car itself, evolving as a specialist coach driver who swapped the reins of a stagecoach for a steering wheel.
The term itself was originally the French word for a stoker, the boilerman who was responsible for maintaining the fire that powered a boiler.
Some of the earliest cars on the market had steam engines, and much like boats and trains, needed careful management of the fire to ensure that they travelled safely and comfortably.
These early cars were also prohibitively expensive, and the wealthy individuals who could afford them would choose to employ a driver as well, which often meant that they had a wide range of duties and responsibilities.
They often acted not only as the driver and boilerman but would also be a skilled mechanic, valet or even a bodyguard, taking care of the car and its owner’s needs in a variety of ways.
Some of these elements have changed over the years; not everyone hires their own driver and many of the duties that a historic chauffeur would provide are often undertaken by a range of specialists instead, allowing them to focus on driving and ensuring their passengers are as comfortable as possible.
What the name and the historic role of the chauffeur means for modern passengers, however, is that there is a tailored, focused nature to the job that puts your needs first and ensures that the journey is completed as efficiently and comfortably as is possible.