QVM .... All you need to know

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Crash testing is an important component in determining the safety of a limousine. However, it is not the only component. The braking, steering and suspension systems of a sedan are all affected when it is “converted” into a limousine, which is shy GVWRs were established by Lincoln, Cadillac and the federal government.

A limousine that exceeds the intended GVWR may be built to withstand a significant crash. Even so, because its brakes, steering and suspension were not designed to accommodate the additional weight, accidents are far more likely to occur. Why? As a vehicle acquires more mass, the braking system will not be able to slow it down as quickly and safely, and steering becomes more difficult. A vehicle that can not be safely steered or stopped is a significant hazard on the road—not only for the passengers and driver, but also for the general public.

To improve limousine performance, both Lincoln and Cadillac provide "heavy-duty" packages that are not available to retail buyers, so do not be tricked. Coachbuilders who tell you they can stretch your own sedan at a “cut-rate” will be building you a limousine suffering from durability, performance, safety and warranty problems. The vehicle’s GVWR will also be lower than that of a vehicle abiding by Lincoln and Cadillac standards, due to the fact that heavy-duty components are absent.


 COACHBUILDER PROGRAMS LINCOLN AND CADILLAC

The Lincoln Qualified Vehicle Modifier and Cadillac Master Coachbuilder programs were developed to establish a level of continuity for the build process of limousines, so that product quality, durability and safety would be enhanced. Based on FMVSS, with critical data compiled from numerous crash tests, the programs evaluate participating coachbuilders on critical areas such as engineering, the manufacturing process and quality control.

Strict adherence to program guidelines is required, and a commitment to continuous improvement by participating coachbuilders is gauged by annual facility inspections and reviews. Technical information is shared between Lincoln, Cadillac and participating coachbuilders, further improving the safety and fit & finish of limousine conversions. The end result of these programs is that the end user receives a safer, higher quality, more dependable product.


THE ORIGIN OF LIMO and the QVM/CMC VMA

The Limousine Industry Manufacturers Organization and subsequently the QVM/CMC VMA were created by coachbuilders to deal with pertinent issues relating to the production of limousines, such as safety, quality and continuous improvement. By policing themselves, the members ensure that FMVSS and the guidelines established by Lincoln and Cadillac are met on all vehicles built by participating companies. Since its inception in 1986, the organization has made great strides in creating a higher level of professionalism and safety in the limousine industry. It is estimated that its members currently build approximately 70 percent of the world’s limousines each year.

An aggressive lawyer who tries to go after Lincoln or Cadillac for damages from an accident involving a limousine that was built without regard to QVM or CMC guidelines may run up against a surprising answer—particularly if the limousine was stretched more than 120 inches for Lincoln and 130 inches for Cadillac. When a coachbuilder converts a sedan into a limousine that falls far enough outside the parameters established by Lincoln and Cadillac, that coachbuilder may become the actual manufacturer of the vehicle, as opposed to just a converter. This takes Lincoln and Cadillac cleanly and completely out of the loop, in the event of an accident.