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E.T.A. SUMMER 2026 ISSUE – EMPIRECLS NEWSLETTER

Ernst & Young Honors David Seelinger’s Leadership

In June, EmpireCLS Chairman & CEO David Seelinger was named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year New Jersey Award winner, honoring the leadership, unparalleled service standards, and people-first culture behind EmpireCLS’ global growth.

This achievement is a proud moment for David, for EmpireCLS, and for every member of the team whose dedication, professionalism, and passion continue to move the company forward.

Experience Innovation In Motion

Trusted by Advisors, Recognized by the Travel Industry

EmpireCLS is pleased to share that we have been named GTC’s Specialty Partner of the Year for the second consecutive year, presented at ARRIVE 2026 in Austin. We are also proud to be a finalist for Best Specialty or Insurance Partner in the 2026 Virtuoso Global Awards, with winners announced during Virtuoso Travel Week this August.

These recognitions reflect the relationships we’ve built with extraordinary advisor communities and the privilege of contributing to journeys shaped by care, trust, and connection.

Excellence, Recognized

FIFA World Cup 2026: The Planning Behind the Experience

FIFA World Cup 2026 has brought extraordinary energy, movement, and complexity to North America.

Tara Roche, EmpireCLS’ Senior VP of Sales, shares how the team approached planning for an event of this scale while upholding the care, communication, and service consistency clients expect from every EmpireCLS experience.

What It Takes to Move the World Cup

The Art of the Summer Travel in 2026

Summer leisure travel in 2026 is being shaped by more thoughtful planning, from Europe’s enduring cultural appeal to cooler escapes, open-sky experiences, and wellness-led itineraries.

Explore the cities defining the season, how travelers are adapting to warmer days and busier destinations, and the transportation planning details passengers should consider before they go.

See What’s Shaping Summer Travel

Art of Summer Travel in 2026

Summer leisure travel in 2026 is being shaped by travelers who want their time away to feel vibrant, comfortable, and worth every moment. From Europe’s cultural capitals to cooler northern escapes, from wellness-led stays to North America’s summer of soccer, this season is less about rushing through an itinerary and more about moving through each destination with ease.

Mastercard’s 2026 Travel Trends Report describes adaptability as one of the defining forces in travel, with travelers rethinking destinations, timing, budgets, and priorities while continuing to place value on meaningful experiences. Its summer analysis also shows Europe holding strong as a center for cultural, culinary, and journey-led travel, with Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Barcelona, and Madrid among the destinations showing notable momentum.

The Cities Defining the Season

Europe remains central to summer leisure travel, even as warmer seasons are changing the way travelers plan their days. The appeal has not disappeared; it has become more intentional. Travelers are building in earlier starts, shaded afternoons, longer lunches, evening plans, and more thoughtful transfers between the places they came to enjoy.

Paris continues to dominate the charts. Its draw is not only in the landmarks, but in the rhythm of the city itself: a morning appointment, a private museum visit, a long lunch, an evening reservation, a quiet return across the Seine. It is a destination that rewards those who leave room to wander, pause, and discover the city beyond the expected.

Amsterdam and Brussels offer a more understated kind of European escape. Amsterdam brings canals, design, galleries, intimate dining, and a slower elegance. Brussels offers art, fine restaurants, historic streets, and the advantage of being beautifully placed for wider European travel.

Barcelona and Madrid bring warmth and movement. Barcelona gives passengers the vibrant coast, architecture, terraces, and long Mediterranean evenings. Madrid brings a bustling city rhythm, with grand hotels, world-class museums, elegant shopping along the Golden Mile, shaded parks, rooftop dining, and late dinners that carry easily into the night.

Copenhagen is very popular this season, especially for travelers drawn to cooler summer cities. With its harbor baths, waterfront restaurants, Nordic dining scene, galleries, design shops, and long summer evenings, the city offers a lighter way to experience the season. For travelers seeking to explore culture without the intensity of a hotter summer capital, Copenhagen feels refreshingly fitting.

Beyond Europe, Mastercard’s report also points to broader interest across destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Addis Ababa, reflecting a wider appetite for journeys shaped by hospitality, culture, dining, shopping, and regional discovery.

‘Coolcations’ and Nights Under Open Skies

For many passengers in 2026, the most desirable escape is one with more space, cooler air, and a gentler pace away from the crowds. That may mean a northern city such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Reykjavík, Vancouver, or Seattle; an alpine retreat in Switzerland or Austria; a waterfront stay; or a destination where the evening becomes a central part of the experience.

A dinner outside the city or a night under open skies observing astronomical phenomena can become one of the most memorable parts of the trip. But these are rarely moments to improvise. Remote locations, late returns, unfamiliar roads, and limited availability can interrupt the ease passengers are seeking.

With transportation arranged in advance, the experience can unfold with comfort, confidence, and calm from beginning to end.

Wellness in the Way You Move

Wellness is no longer limited to the spa. It is becoming part of the way travelers shape the entire journey. For summer leisure travel, that can mean a coastal stay, a retreat, a private fitness appointment, a slower city itinerary, a scenic day trip, or simply more space between plans.

A wellness-oriented vacation depends on rhythm. The day should not feel rushed from the moment the passenger steps outside the hotel. The transfer to a spa appointment, the drive to lunch, the ride back after dinner, the journey from the airport to the resort — each one should support the feeling of rest rather than interrupt it.

This is where chauffeured transportation becomes part of the experience. A private vehicle gives passengers a quiet place between destinations: time to cool down, gather themselves, make a call, sit in silence, travel together as a family, or simply enjoy the city from a more comfortable distance.

What Passengers Should Know This Summer

 

Summer travel rewards planning. Fuller airports, warmer days, major events, and busy destinations can make even simple transfers less predictable.

Passengers should book in advance and allow extra time around restaurants, stadiums, museums, shopping appointments, private tours, and evening reservations. For leisure days with several stops, hourly chauffeured service can keep the itinerary moving without arranging a new ride at every stop.

The right vehicle also matters. Couples, families, VIPs, and groups each have different needs for space, luggage, privacy, and comfort. For larger parties, World Cup travel, weddings, private events, and multi-city itineraries, group transportation is best arranged early.

The best summer journeys are remembered for how the days unfold with ease.

A smooth arrival from the airport. A well-timed dinner pickup. A comfortable return after an evening out.

With EmpireCLS, every traveler is supported by attentive chauffeured service, thoughtful coordination, and the confidence that each detail is handled with care.

Book Your Next Journey

David Seelinger Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year New Jersey Award Winner

EmpireCLS is proud to announce that our Chairman & CEO, David Seelinger, has been named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year New Jersey Award winner, a distinguished honor celebrating leaders who have built bold, enduring, and impactful businesses.

This recognition honors entrepreneurs who demonstrate innovation, resilience, and a commitment to building exceptional organizations. David’s leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to excellence have been instrumental in shaping EmpireCLS into the global leader it is today.

For more than four decades, David has led EmpireCLS with a relentless focus on exceptional service, investment in people, innovation, and the highest standards across every part of the business. Founded in 1981, EmpireCLS has become a trusted name in luxury chauffeured ground transportation, serving Fortune 500 companies, five-star hotels, entertainment leaders, and discerning travelers around the world.

David Seelinger (second from left) with the 2026 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year New Jersey Award recipients

Today, EmpireCLS serves guests in more than 1,000 cities through company-owned operations in key markets and a carefully vetted global partner network. From executive transfers and roadshows to entertainment, global event transportation, and leisure travel, EmpireCLS is known for delivering complex itineraries with consistency, discretion, and unparalleled reliability.

Under David’s leadership, EmpireCLS has grown into a global leader, expanding its worldwide reach, investing in the industry’s largest and youngest luxury fleets, and driving innovation across every stage of the client journey. Every detail is designed to support the safety, reliability, privacy, and elevated service experience clients expect from EmpireCLS.

While this award recognizes David’s leadership, it also reflects the culture he has built and the people who bring EmpireCLS standards to life every day.

 “This honor truly belongs to all of us. Every win, every innovation, and every client experience we deliver is the result of your hard work, professionalism, and commitment to our shared standards of excellence. I am incredibly proud of this team and excited for everything we will continue to accomplish together.”

David Seelinger
David Seelinger accepts the 2026 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year New Jersey Award

This achievement is a proud moment for David, for EmpireCLS, and for every member of the team whose dedication, professionalism, and passion continue to move the company forward. Together, we remain committed to raising the standard for luxury ground transportation and delivering the exceptional service our clients have trusted for more than four decades.

Get Me to the Dolby! How Stars Arrive at the Oscars on Time and in One Piece

When you’re ferrying hundreds of A-listers to the Academy Awards, the last thing you want is rain.

If it pours, the convoy of chauffeured vehicles slows, gridlock ensues and the up-to-the-second schedule for red carpet arrivals collapses. Plus, it’s not safe. “Traffic in itself is a security risk,” says David Seelinger, CEO of EmpireCLS — among the event’s largest suppliers of luxury transport — since a bottlenecked parade of stars can become a target for paparazzi, rabid fans or worse. “And safety is our No. 1 priority, for attendees and for our staff.”

Seelinger’s staff on Oscar night is prodigious. “We’ll have around 300 cars working the event this year,” he says. Vehicles are drawn mainly from Empire’s local fleets, though supplements arrive from as far away as San Francisco and Las Vegas.

If this were the 20th century, most of these rides would be stretch limos. If it were the 2000s, a good number of stars would be rolling up in Priuses, as Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz and Harrison Ford did. These days, stars prefer SUVs. “The Cadillac Escalade is the No. 1 request,” Seelinger says. “It’s comfortable, and when a client steps out of it, it’s a very elegant look.” Empire runs a large fleet of battery-powered Escalades, alongside gas versions, and supplies six-figure electric Lucid Air sedans for those who prefer a traditional car. “Some studios will only hire electric vehicles for events,” he adds, and for the major nominees, studios often cover transport.

For attendees who travel in groups or with a stylist, Seelinger has other options. “We use luxury Mercedes Sprinter vans,” he says. “They’re very spacious, with high ceilings and a low step-out to the red carpet, so for the ladies — or whoever’s wearing a gown, I should say — it’s easier to get in and out.”

The cars are stocked with bottled water, and the chauffeurs often provide snacks. Still, passengers occasionally make supplemental “unique” requests. Though NDAs prohibit Seelinger from detailing these (or naming his clients), he attests that Empire does its best to accommodate. “It doesn’t matter what it is, we’ll typically do it, as long as it’s not against the law,” he says with a laugh. Since it’s a long night, chauffeurs are fed a gourmet dinner by the company at the staging area while their passengers are at the event.

The procession to the Dolby Theatre is as carefully choreographed as a K-pop video. Coordination among the Academy, municipal organizations and first responders starts months in advance. “For all planned events, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation develops a comprehensive traffic management plan that identifies the required road-closure timing and locations, parking restrictions and [traffic] signal timing changes,” says LADOT spokesperson Colin Sweeney.

For the Oscars, road closures begin as early as two weeks prior and reach their full extent the night before. The department also coordinates with Metro’s public transit system to reroute buses around the caravan and implement subway station closures, Sweeney adds.

The actual chauffeured route to drop-off is top secret and includes contingencies. “There’s always a primary, secondary and tertiary route, so if something happens, we can switch mid-stream,” Seelinger says.

All Empire vehicles have tracking devices, sharing location and timing information with scores of transport and Academy staff via two command centers — one at corporate headquarters in El Segundo and one at the Dolby. Both sites are equipped with triple redundant communications and logistics software and satellite WiFi. “Nobody pulls up without notification being given to the Academy folks on site,” Seelinger says. Sweeney adds that LADOT’s representatives “operate their own unified command structure to manage traffic flow, control congestion and respond swiftly to any disruptions.”

 

When arriving at the theater, movements are tightly controlled. For example, at a typical airport or corporate drop-off, chauffeurs would get out and open the door for the client. When they pull up to the Dolby, they’re instructed to stay in the vehicle. “We can’t have the chauffeur walking on the red carpet,” Seelinger says.

Remaining behind the wheel also guarantees occupant safety. “That way, the driver’s ready in the event that they have to get the client out of there quickly,” Seelinger says. When asked if Empire employs armored vehicles, Seelinger demurs: “We have to keep that stuff quiet.” But he admits that chauffeurs — who are background-checked and subjected to a three-week drivers academy — are trained in “what to do in emergency situations.”

Vehicles are typically engaged for 12 hours on Oscar night, Seelinger says, so a similarly coordinated ballet takes place for departures: “No one waits. People are swooped up pretty quick and taken to one of the countless events all through the night.”

Seelinger demurs again when asked how much a studio or individual might pay for this service and won’t even entertain our guesstimates, which hover in the $6,000 to $12,000 range.

“I can’t really say the exact cost because of our NDAs. And it depends on who it’s for. But it’s a fair price,” he says. “Let’s just say, if you’re shopping at Louis, you know what it costs.”

This story appeared in the March 11 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.

Written by Brett Berk for The Hollywood Reporter.

E.T.A. WINTER 2026 ISSUE – EMPIRECLS NEWSLETTER

Meet the Newest Star of the EmpireCLS EV Fleet: The Escalade IQ

Electric vehicles are redefining the chauffeured transportation industry, delivering a quieter, cleaner, and more forward-thinking luxury experience. At EmpireCLS, these innovations are already on the road as part of the largest electric vehicle fleet in the chauffeured industry.

Our EV lineup includes the refined Cadillac LYRIQ, the high-performance Lucid Air, and the standout Cadillac Escalade IQ—the 2026 all-electric evolution of the iconic Escalade.

 

Experience Innovation In Motion

looking back on A Year of Purposeful Progress

2025 was a year of steady momentum and thoughtful refinement. Recognition from the travel industry reaffirmed the trust we have earned, while the relaunch of EmpireCLS University strengthened the foundation of our service.

Each milestone reflected our continued commitment to precision, professionalism, and delivering an experience defined by consistency and care.

 

 

Inside Our 2025 Journey

Corporate Travel, Redefined

In today’s global business landscape, corporate travel is no longer just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about reliability, discretion, safety, and the kind of comfort that allows leaders to stay focused, composed, and in control—no matter where business takes them.

 

Discover how EmpireCLS can support your corporate travel needs with confidence.

 

 

 

Experience Seamless Travel

What Makes Riding with EmpireCLS a True Luxury Experience

While many promise luxury, few deliver a consistently elevated experience on every ride. EmpireCLS ensures every journey exceeds expectations.

With expertly trained chauffeurs, one of the youngest fleets in the industry, and presence in over 1,000 cities worldwide, we deliver seamless, refined, and reliable luxury chauffeured travel—from reservation to arrival.

 

 

 

Discover the Difference

 

 

In case you missed it, you can check out our Fall 2025 newsletter issue here!

What Makes Riding with EmpireCLS a True Luxury Experience

When you book a luxury chauffeured service, you’re not just paying for a ride in a luxury vehicle. You’re trusting someone with your time, your safety, and your reputation. Whether you’re heading to a red carpet event, catching a flight, or welcoming a VIP guest, you want every detail handled with precision, discretion, and confidence.

But not all luxury services deliver the same level of experience on every ride.

At EmpireCLS, we do things differently. Our business model is what truly sets us apart—and our passengers feel it from the moment they book to the moment they arrive. Here’s what makes the EmpireCLS experience exceptional:

Our Chauffeurs Are Our Brand Ambassadors

 

Many transportation companies rely heavily on independent contractors. While some are excellent, this model can lead to inconsistent experiences that often come down to luck.

At EmpireCLS, in our corporate-owned markets, our chauffeurs are full-time employees. Through a rigorous, in-house training program, they master more than driving—they are trained in the art of chauffeuring, which combines discretion, situational awareness, emotional intelligence, and hospitality held to Forbes Five-Star standards.

This means our passengers can expect:

  • A professional, uniformed appearance and conduct

  • Knowledge of client preferences

  • Meticulous attention to detail

  • The ability to navigate unpredictable conditions with confidence

Fleet Ownership & Vehicle Standards

 

Unlike services that rely on third-party or non-owned vehicles, EmpireCLS maintains full ownership of its luxury fleet in our corporate markets. This eliminates the inconsistency that can come with mixed vehicle sources—such as varying models, colors, and standards of cleanliness or comfort.

We operate one of the youngest luxury fleets in the industry, with vehicles on a 12–24 month replacement cycle to ensure access to the latest safety engineering and technology. Each vehicle is maintained in our ASE-certified, in-house service center, where dedicated service managers oversee monthly 59-point preventive inspections and rigorous repair standards.

The result is complete control over quality, availability, and presentation—delivering a consistently refined experience every time you ride with us.

We apply these same expectations across our global network. Every affiliate partner we work with is required to uphold equivalent vehicle standards, ensuring consistency in every market.

Global Affiliate Network

 

EmpireCLS caters to travelers crossing the globe, providing refined, dependable service in over 1,000 destinations worldwide. Outside of our corporate-owned locations, we partner with carefully vetted and trained providers who are required to meet our standards of excellence.

So whether you’re riding with us in the U.S., Europe, or the Middle East, you can expect the same level of consistency, reliability, and signature service—no matter where you travel.

Experience the difference and book your next journey with us.

Meet the Newest Star of the EmpireCLS EV Fleet: The Escalade IQ

The next chapter of luxury transportation has arrived at EmpireCLS. We’re excited to welcome the newest addition to our EV fleet: the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ.

“EmpireCLS has always been committed to leading the industry in both luxury and innovation, and expanding our electric vehicle offerings to include the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ is the next step in that journey. This addition allows us to deliver the full-size SUV comfort and presence our clients expect, while dramatically reducing emissions and supporting their sustainability goals without compromising the experience they love.” – CEO David Seelinger

As the chauffeured industry leader with the largest electric fleet, we continue to invest in vehicles that set the standard for modern luxury transportation. Alongside the Escalade IQ, our EV lineup features two standout luxury sedans: the Cadillac LYRIQ and Lucid Air.

 

Cadillac Escalade IQ 

As the #1 requested vehicle at EmpireCLS, the Escalade is trusted for its commanding presence, spacious comfort, and premium passenger experience. The 2026 Escalade IQ marks the latest evolution of an automotive icon, now fully electric for the first time. The Escalade IQ takes everything clients already love about this iconic SUV and elevates it with next-generation electric performance, a smooth, quiet ride, and cutting-edge in-cabin technology—delivering a refined experience tailored for executive and VIP transportation.

The SUV accommodates up to six passengers, with heated, ventilated, massaging seats in the Executive Second Row and advanced in-cabin entertainment, including vivid displays, customizable LED lighting, and immersive AKG audio. Generous front and rear cargo space ensures flexibility for luggage, making it ideal for airport and VIP transfers.

Recognized as SUV of the Year 2026 by MotorTrend, this newest addition to the EmpireCLS fleet demonstrates that even the most legendary luxury experiences can evolve responsibly, offering style, performance, and comfort without leaving a carbon footprint.

 

 

 

Cadillac LYRIQ 

 

The LYRIQ is a luxury electric sedan designed for up to three passengers, blending sustainability with sophisticated performance. With an EPA-estimated range of over 325 miles, it easily handles full-day itineraries. Ample front trunk storage, combined with a full-size rear trunk, accommodates multiple pieces of luggage, while the expansive panoramic glass roof and individual climate zones create a bright, personalized cabin environment. 

The expansive 33-inch LED display houses Cadillac’s advanced infotainment system with native Google integration and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with an immersive AKG Studio premium sound system. 

 

Lucid Air 

 

Lucid Air sets a new standard for luxury electric sedans, offering an EPA-estimated range of over 400 miles for uninterrupted travel across airports and city routes. Its whisper-quiet cabin, advanced noise cancellation, and premium materials create a serene environment, while the mesh sunshade system and full-length glass canopy provide passenger privacy at the push of a button.  

Dual touchscreen displays offer intuitive climate, navigation, and entertainment controls, and generous front and rear cargo space handles all kinds of luggage. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility keep passengers seamlessly connected, combining technology, comfort, and sustainability in a single elevated experience. 

 

In 2026, EmpireCLS remains focused on expanding clean transportation, embracing innovation, and delivering carbon-conscious luxury at every touchpoint. For passengers and organizations who value sustainability as an integral part of modern luxury, we make it effortless to move forward—responsibly. Experience it yourself and book a ride today.

EmpireCLS EVs are currently available at our corporate-owned locations in New York and Los Angeles. Additional cities are available upon request. 

Corporate Travel, Redefined

In today’s global business landscape, corporate travel is no longer just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about reliability, discretion, safety, and the kind of comfort that allows leaders to stay focused, composed, and in control—no matter where business takes them. At EmpireCLS, we view corporate travel as an extension of your business operations. Every ride is a reflection of your standards, your values, and your expectations—and we take that responsibility seriously. 

 

Precision, Punctuality, and Peace of Mind  

Time is the most valuable asset for executives and corporate teams. Our chauffeured services are designed around absolute punctuality, proactive planning, and real-time coordination. From early-morning airport transfers to multi-stop executive roadshows, every itinerary is managed with meticulous attention to detail. Our professional chauffeurs are trained to anticipate needs before they arise, adapt seamlessly to schedule changes, and deliver a calm, personalised travel experience—allowing passengers to prepare for meetings, take calls, or simply decompress between engagements. 

 

A Fleet That Matches the Moment  

Corporate travel demands adaptability without compromise. Whether transporting a single executive, a board of directors, or an entire delegation, EmpireCLS offers a diverse, meticulously maintained fleet of late-model luxury sedans, SUVs, and group transportation vehicles – featuring the newest addition to our electric portfolio, the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ. Each vehicle is selected not simply for its presence, but for exceptional comfort, privacy, and unparalleled performance, ensuring every journey feels elevated. 

 

Safety as a Non-Negotiable Standard  

EmpireCLS invests heavily in chauffeur training, advanced vehicle technology, and rigorous safety protocols to ensure every journey meets the highest standards of care. From defensive driving practices to continuous monitoring and compliance, our approach to safety provides corporate travelers with something invaluable: confidence. 

 

Consistency Across 1000+ Cities Worldwide 

Corporate travel often spans multiple cities, time zones, and teams. EmpireCLS delivers consistent experience across 1000+ cities across 6 continents, ensuring that executives receive the same level of service, professionalism, and comfort—wherever business takes them. 

 

What Our Passengers Say 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Great experience overall. Turner communicated clearly ahead of time, was easy to find at pickup, and drove safely and smoothly throughout the trip. Professional, friendly, and made the whole experience stress free.  – Michael W. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Boris was great. He patiently waited and helped me find my luggage that were not on my flight but had been sent on an earlier flight. We had to track down where my luggage had been stored. Smooth ride once we finally got on the road, not a jerky ride. Then carried my luggage up the front stairs. Thumbs up! – William H. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  It could not have been better!! Solomon is a brilliant driver and an exceptional human being. He navigated Los Angeles in bad weather and bad traffic with expertise, ease, grace, humor, and intelligence. A+++ – Grace A   

 

When corporate travel is handled with precision and care, it becomes an asset rather than a stressor. EmpireCLS is proud to support executives, corporate teams, and organizations with chauffeured solutions that elevate every journey and reinforce professionalism at every touchpoint. Because in business, how you arrive matters – reserve your next journey. 

 

Looking back on A Year of Purposeful Progress

In 2025, EmpireCLS experienced steady growth, meaningful recognition, and continued refinement. Our focus remained clear across operations, chauffeur training, and client experience: delivering reliable, professional service at the highest standard. 


A New Way to Stay Connected: The Launch of E.T.A.  

Last year marked the launch of E.T.A., our quarterly newsletter designed to provide timely updates, thoughtful insights, and a behind-the-scenes view of EmpireCLS. Each edition captures the progress happening across our organization – from fleet advancements and operational improvements to continuous refinements in the art of chauffeuring.


Supporting VIPs Through Awards Season 2025 

Throughout 2025, EmpireCLS supported a full calendar of high-profile global events, delivering premier chauffeured services for major award shows including the Grammy Awards, Golden Globes, Oscars, and SAG Awards. Our experienced Meetings & Events teams also managed complex logistics for major events such as the Super Bowl and Austin’s SXSW, ensuring every VIP arrival was handled with discretion, precision, and care. 

 

Travel Industry Recognition 

In 2025, EmpireCLS was honored with several notable travel industry recognitions, including being named “Specialty Partner of the Year” by Global Travel Collection and awarded “Highest Annual Growth, Specialty Partner” by the Virtuoso network for the second consecutive year. To be recognized by both GTC and Virtuoso with these distinguished honors reflects the meaningful partnerships we’ve built over the years with the travel industry’s most respected professionals.


Perfecting the Art of Chauffeuring  

Last year we relaunched EmpireCLS University, enhancing our chauffeur training program to further emphasize safety, professionalism, and anticipatory service. The updated curriculum blends classroom instruction with real-world evaluation, reinforcing defensive driving, situational awareness, and service standards aligned with 5 diamond luxury hospitality expectations. Ongoing development is reinforced through personalized performance reviews four weeks after graduation, ensuring that every chauffeur continues to grow and deliver the seamless, elevated experience that defines EmpireCLS. 


A Five-Star Standard  

Client feedback remains one of our most important benchmarks. In 2025, EmpireCLS maintained a 98% five-star chauffeur rating, reflecting daily commitment across thousands of journeys worldwide. This consistency is the result of rigorous training, accountability, and a shared understanding that every trip deserves the highest level of care. 


As we move forward, EmpireCLS remains focused on strengthening our global reach, investing in our people, and refining every aspect of the client journey. The progress made in 2025 reinforces our long-term vision: to provide dependable, thoughtfully executed chauffeured transportation. 

Whether you’re planning executive travel, coordinating large-scale events, or seeking a trusted partner for complex itineraries, EmpireCLS is ready to support your journey. Reserve your next ride.  

E.T.A. Fall 2025 Issue – EmpireCLS Newsletter

EmpireCLS Duty of Care: The Standard Behind Every Journey

At EmpireCLS, your peace of mind is our highest priority. Our duty of care surpasses industry standards at every touchpoint of your journey—from the professionals we hire, to the meticulous care of our fleet, to the proactive systems safeguarding you worldwide.

Discover how our commitment to safety, discretion, and attentive service transforms travel into a truly peaceful experience.

 

 

Safety with Signature Style

FALL City-Breaks: November feels better with a chauffeur

Golden light, cold air, and calendars stacked with fall season moments. You’re stepping from door to door—bags, layers, and souvenirs tucked safely away—moving through New York, Chicago, Vienna, Kyoto, or Melbourne amidst November’s seasonal highlights.

Whether it’s a discreet sedan for two, an Escalade for the family, the car becomes your private lounge between experiences, letting every city reveal itself on your terms.

 

Fall Experiences Await

Group Journeys Reimagined: Comfort, Space & First-Class Service

Crisp mornings, stacked schedules, and not a second to spare. Fall is when group travel either flows…or falls apart.

EmpireCLS keeps it seamless with a fleet built for every headcount: Mercedes XL and GF1 Sprinters for teams, and minibuses or full-size coaches for the big moves. You set the agenda. We’ll take care of the movement.

 

 

Effortless Group Travel

Next-Level Luxury, Electrified

A new era of chauffeured luxury is on the horizon. The all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ—iconic, powerful, and engineered for long-range performance—redefines what a first-class ride can be.

Its arrival signals the next step in our commitment to sustainable sophistication, where uncompromising comfort meets cutting-edge innovation, and every journey becomes an experience in effortless elegance.




Discover the Escalade IQ