Nfda
Returned home last night after three days at the NFDA / CANA convention in Chicago. Put on lots of miles walking, especially in the Expo area amongst all the vendors. Naturally, spent a lot of time in the coachbuilder's exhibits and had lengthy conversations with many of the manufacturer's representatives and dealers. Met up with many PCS members too, on and off the exhibit floor. Just a super time, overall.
Like Bill, I did not think the new Lincolns were as bad in person as I'd expected, though they are still far from what I think a funeral coach should be. There are pros and cons to the new design, but like it or not, that is the new Lincoln hearse. Now we'll wait to see what the coachbuilders make of the new Cadillac XTS...
After a very lengthy and detailed discussion with Mike McKiernan from SVG about the new Mercedes-Benz hearse, I am intrigued to see what this car might evolve into. Mike made it very clear to me that what was seen on the NFDA floor is not the final product; we talked about many possibilities for what would work, design and function-wise, for the exterior and interior.
My favorite car at this year's show was - by far - the S&S Masterpiece limousine-style hearse with electric extend table, going to the Butler Funeral Home in Missouri (owned by PCS member, Kenneth Howe.) Congratulations to Ken and his staff on the delivery of this beautiful coach!
