The new pride and joy of long-time Queenstown Corporate Cabs owner-operator Lin McKenzie, the VW Caravelle will transport up to six clients in leather-seated luxury, and is the first van in the company's 400-strong national fleet.

Mr McKenzie says Queenstown has a unique client profile, with a big market of international tourists, corporate staff on conference trips, and Kiwis on holiday with oversized luggage such as skis and golf clubs.

"There is a lot of demand for luxury service, but for more than three or four passengers. The challenge was to find a van which could meet Corporate Cabs clients' high expectations, and matched what they can experience in our sedans in terms of luxury comfort and safety."

"We upgraded the van to our own demanding interior specifications, and I'm proud to welcome clients aboard."

Corporate Cabs chief executive Colin Samson says the company is constantly monitoring and reacting to customer demand, and the Caravelle is an example of this.

"It has been a deliberate policy to ensure our cars are easily recognisable, with clean lines in plain white in just two makes. Clients know what they are going to get. So this is a significant milestone - one we thought carefully about and which required licensing approval."

"We are satisfied the Caravelle meets our exacting standards. This doesn't signal a major change in our model of luxury sedans though, we will only consider adding vans in a market where there is a real demand, and there is in Queenstown."

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