TAYLOR, Mich., July 24, 2009 — Great Lakes Transportation Holding LLC today announced that it has acquired key assets of Metro Cars and Checker Sedan to form Southeast Michigan’s premier transportation services provider. Operating under the Metro Cars brand, the company will be the contracted sedan service provider for Detroit Metropolitan Airport and will offer luxury sedan, limousine, shuttle and motor coach services throughout Southeast Michigan.
“We are thrilled to be able to preserve two high quality operations and continue to provide a critical service to the customers of Metro Cars and Checker Sedan,” said Gregory Eaton, principal of Great Lakes Transportation Holding. “The Metro Cars brand has been trusted by residents and people doing business in Southeast Michigan for more than 20 years, and we’re proud to keep that name on the road.”
Initially, the company will operate more than 180 vehicles, ranging from the iconic black chauffeur-driven luxury sedans and limousines, to shuttle buses and motor coaches. Great Lakes Transportation Holding currently employs 215 people after the acquisitions, as well as more than 250 contract chauffeurs.
Recently, the company was awarded the contract as the official luxury sedan transportation provider at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, returning the Metro Cars brand to a position it held for more than 16 years. This customer loyalty, which is driven by Metro Cars’ reputation for outstanding customer service, is the main reason behind the choice to continue the Metro Cars brand in the new company.
“As a principal and investor, I am proud to be associated with my partners in operating a company that has such a strong history of customer service excellence and is an industry leader,” said Gary Sakwa, principal of Great Lakes Transportation Holding.
In addition to service and professionalism, Metro Cars is also known for its innovations, ranging from propane-fueled sedans to advances in reservation and scheduling technologies. The new company will continue that tradition.
“While our efforts right now are focused on ensuring that our customers receive great service and that our employees and owner-operators are engaged partners in the new Metro Cars brand, we are looking forward to continuing the innovations for which Metro Cars is known,” said Dan Ret, principal and CEO of Great Lakes Transportation Holding.
About Great Lakes Transportation Holding LLC:
Taylor, Mich.-based Great Lakes Transportation Holding LLC operates sedan, limousine, shuttle bus and motor coach services under the Metro Cars brand in Southeast Michigan. It is the official luxury sedan service provider at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and operates more than 180 vehicles. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.MetroCars.com.
