Royale Receives QVM Approval for Hybrid L, Honored as “Perfect” CMC

Royale, a Cabot Coach Builders Company, recently announced that it has received an endorsement from Ford through its Qualified Vehicle Modifier Program (QVM) for the modification of the Ford Fusion Hybrid L. The stretched Fusion Hybrid was developed exclusively by Royale and has gained significant popularity as an alternative for hybrid transportation in the for-hire industry.

“The Ford QVM approval is just another step in the process of wide market acceptance for our product,” says Cabot Smith, president of Royale. “When I received the confirming call from Jeff Nichols [manager of Ford Global Fleet] and Jim Murray [QVM Engineering Supervisor], I was ecstatic.”

Royale is calling the vehicle a Hybrid Electric Livery Vehicle. Testing done by the manufacturer indicates that the vehicle delivers a substantial improvement in fuel economy and over twice the driving range on a single tank; current estimates put the fuel economy at 41 mpg and 36 mph highway.

The accessory battery runs the amenities including the air conditioner, which can reduce CO2 emissions and fuel use during idle or wait time. The modified Fusion also offers nearly 95 percent of the rear leg and shoulder room of the Lincoln Town Car Executive L.

In other news Royale has been awarded Cadillac Master Coachbuilders’ first perfect score, according to Joe Pennington of Cadillac Professional Vehicles. The score was based on a daylong annual audit of Royale performed by Cadillac that analyzed the company’s operation from start to finish, including design review and validation, HVAC and electrical systems, body structure and appearance, inspection and audit processes, as well as training and service. “This is an impressive confirmation of what we do on a daily basis, and it’s nice to get some public recognition every now and then,” says Smith.

For more information about Royale, please visit www.royalelimo.com. LD