In the competitive realm of luxury transportation, where impeccable service and unparalleled elegance reign supreme, AZ Luxe stands as a beacon of excellence. Founded by a visionary leader with a passion for fine automobiles and exceptional customer service, AZ Luxe has quickly become a leading name in the industry. As the company celebrates a decade of success, we sit down with the CEO of AZ Luxe, Abbass Zadeh for an exclusive interview to uncover the secrets behind their remarkable journey, their unwavering commitment to sustainability, and the innovative strategies that continue to set them apart. From the addition of all-electric BMW i7 cars to their fleet to their role as a trusted partner for high-profile events like the National Film Awards, AZ Luxe embodies the very essence of luxury and innovation. Join us as we delve into the story of a company that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the world’s most discerning clients.
1. Can you tell us about the journey of AZ Luxe since its inception? What inspired you to enter the luxury transportation industry?
I started AZ Luxe after working for a well-known brand for a number of years. I set up their chauffeuring business from scratch, with a blank chequebook and a blank canvas. I learned everything without spending a penny of my own money and earned a good salary doing it too. In the first year of business, I produced an income of over £1 million for them. However, I wasn’t always allowed to run the business how I saw fit, as there were many above me who wanted things done in a certain way, which I didn’t necessarily think was right for the business. Eventually, after a few disagreements on how the department was run, I left and set up my own business. With the experience I had, I carefully hand-selected the cars needed and started from scratch again, but this time I was spending my own money, so I had to ensure any risks were calculated. My career background has always been in aftersales, so delivering exceptional customer service has always been my number one goal. Achieving that in the luxury transport industry was very appealing to me, as I have always had a passion for fine cars.
2. AZ Luxe has built a reputation for exceptional standards and service. What core values and principles have guided the company’s growth and success?
The key is always great customer satisfaction, which leads to customer retention, growth from word of mouth, and stability. But to achieve great customer satisfaction, you must understand what is needed to achieve that. The number one goal becomes staff happiness. Once you have your team happy and equipped with the correct tools to carry out their jobs perfectly, everything falls into place. You simply cannot provide great customer service until you build a great working environment for your team. When everything works like a well-oiled machine, that’s when the business starts to grow and become successful.
3. How does AZ Luxe differentiate itself from other luxury chauffeur services in the market? What makes your services unique?
We make everything personal, and that’s not just from me as the owner. We all get to know our clients, understand their expectations, requirements, and timelines. To stand out and be above the rest, we must go the extra mile and be consistent with it. Many people can deliver a good service, but you must deliver exceptional services consistently. Our chauffeurs have company credit cards, so offering to buy a client a tea, coffee, or a bite to eat after a long flight is just a simple touch to make the client feel more relaxed and calmer. If you had to ask an individual to offer, pay for something, and wait a few weeks to get their expenses reimbursed, that wouldn’t give that member of staff the freedom to deliver exceptional service every time.
4. Sustainability is a growing concern in the transportation industry. Can you share some of the eco-friendly practices AZ Luxe has implemented to address this issue?
We started with basic changes that were easy enough to do and manage. We replaced the usage of plastic bottles with water in eco-friendly cartons. We changed the standard boxes of tissues provided in vehicles to 100% bamboo tissues to protect nature and plants. The big change was gradually altering our fleet. We removed over 75% of our diesel-powered vehicles and replaced them with fully electric vehicles, and we aim to grow this to 80% before the end of this year.
5. The addition of all-electric BMW i7 cars to your fleet is a significant move. What motivated this decision, and how do you see the future of electric vehicles in luxury transport?
Firstly, BMW has done an amazing job with these vehicles. The technology in them is second to none, offering plenty of in-car entertainment to passengers. The comfort of these vehicles has also been a huge selling point, with fully reclining and massage seats in the back, it’s literally like being on a first-class flight. Not only was I motivated by the vehicle’s features, but also by the fact that we wanted to reduce our carbon footprint. These vehicles made absolute sense. It wasn’t just about going electric for the sake of it; it was about doing our part, going electric, but not compromising on the standards and levels we have set as a business. The future of electric vehicles is bright. Central London has made significant strides in ensuring there are enough charging points and fast charging points, meaning if we need to stop halfway through the day to recharge, we can be back up to 100% within 40 minutes and have a range of over 300 miles to continue working.
6. AZ Luxe recently returned as a Bronze partner for the National Film Awards. How do partnerships with high-profile events like these benefit your brand?
I truly believe AZ Luxe is the best in the industry, so when the opportunity arose for us to partner with the NFA again, it was simple. We showcase our great services to the NFA, and they trust us with all the necessary transport for the awards. Recognition and brand awareness are the goals. Being noticed is how we continue to grow as a business, and there’s no better way to do that than at high-profile events.
7. Customer experience is paramount in the luxury service industry. Can you provide some insights into how AZ Luxe ensures a consistently high level of service for its clients?
I mystery shop the whole business, from top to bottom, from management to the office team, all the way to the chauffeurs who deliver the end service. I do this frequently and use the feedback as a tool to ensure we are always at the top of our game. When adding new team members, the training process is quite intense. For example, new chauffeurs spend one day in the office to see how operations manage all incoming work. They then spend another day with our head chauffeur to understand AZ Luxe’s dos and don’ts and have their driving tested. Finally, they spend a day chauffeuring me around to meetings before I give the final sign-off for them to be allocated a permanent car and start chauffeuring our clients.
8. With a fleet that includes prestigious brands like Rolls-Royce and Range Rover, how do you decide which vehicles to add to your collection? What criteria are most important to you?
Comfort is key. When we engage with our clients and understand their consistent needs, it’s simple to know what product to offer them, knowing they will be pleased with the options. We have many regular clients who do the same trips day in and day out, so knowing what vehicle will suit their trips is first nature to us!
11. In a highly competitive market, what strategies have you implemented to maintain AZ Luxe’s leading position in the luxury transportation industry?
Maintaining a leading position in the luxury transportation industry requires a combination of innovative strategies and a commitment to excellence. Firstly, we focus heavily on customer feedback and continuously improve based on their suggestions and experiences. Secondly, we invest in the latest technology and luxury vehicles to ensure our clients receive the best possible experience. This includes regular upgrades to our fleet and integrating state-of-the-art amenities and services. Additionally, our marketing strategies are tailored to highlight our unique selling points, such as our personalized service and commitment to sustainability. Lastly, staff training and development are paramount; we ensure our team is not only well-trained but also motivated and passionate about delivering exceptional service.
12. How has the demand for luxury transportation services evolved in recent years, and how has AZ Luxe adapted to these changes?
The demand for luxury transportation services has evolved significantly in recent years, with clients increasingly looking for personalized and eco-friendly options. There has also been a rise in the use of luxury transportation for special events, corporate travel, and high-profile occasions. To adapt to these changes, AZ Luxe has diversified its service offerings to cater to various client needs. We have enhanced our booking systems to be more user-friendly and responsive, ensuring clients can easily access our services. Our shift towards electric vehicles also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable travel options. Furthermore, we have expanded our partnerships and presence at high-profile events to increase visibility and attract new clients.
13. Can you discuss the importance of brand image and reputation for AZ Luxe, and how do you manage these aspects?
Brand image and reputation are critical to AZ Luxe’s success. Our clients trust us to provide a seamless and luxurious experience, and maintaining this trust is essential. We manage our brand image and reputation through several key strategies. Firstly, we ensure consistency in our service delivery, from the quality of our vehicles to the professionalism of our chauffeurs. Secondly, we engage actively with our clients through social media and other platforms, responding promptly to feedback and showcasing positive experiences. Additionally, we invest in PR and marketing campaigns that highlight our strengths and successes. Finally, we foster a strong internal culture focused on excellence and customer satisfaction, which naturally reflects in our brand image.
14. What role does technology play in enhancing the services offered by AZ Luxe?
Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the services offered by AZ Luxe. From advanced booking systems to in-car entertainment and communication tools, we leverage the latest technology to provide a superior experience for our clients. Our booking system is designed to be intuitive and efficient, allowing clients to book their services quickly and easily. In-car technology, such as GPS tracking, ensures timely and efficient service. Additionally, our fleet of luxury vehicles is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, and real-time traffic updates. We also use technology to monitor and maintain our vehicles, ensuring they are always in top condition.
15. In what ways does AZ Luxe give back to the community or engage in corporate social responsibility initiatives?
AZ Luxe is committed to giving back to the community and engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. We participate in various charitable events and sponsor local community programs. Our sustainability efforts, such as transitioning to electric vehicles and using eco-friendly products, are also part of our CSR initiatives. Additionally, we support local businesses by sourcing products and services locally whenever possible. We believe in creating a positive impact not only through our services but also through our contributions to the community and environment.
16. Can you share a memorable experience or story from your time at AZ Luxe that highlights the company’s values and dedication to its clients?
One memorable experience that highlights AZ Luxe’s values and dedication to our clients involved a high-profile event we serviced last year. A VIP client’s flight was delayed, causing significant stress as they were scheduled to speak at an important conference. Our team went above and beyond to monitor the flight status, rearrange the itinerary, and ensure the client was picked up immediately upon arrival. We provided a relaxing and comfortable journey with refreshments and amenities tailored to their preferences. The client not only made it to the conference on time but also praised our team for their exceptional service and attention to detail. This experience underscored our commitment to personalized service and client satisfaction.
17. How do you stay ahead of industry trends and ensure AZ Luxe remains innovative and competitive?
Staying ahead of industry trends and ensuring AZ Luxe remains innovative and competitive requires constant research, adaptation, and a proactive approach. We regularly attend industry conferences and workshops to stay informed about the latest developments and best practices. We also engage with our clients and seek their feedback to understand emerging needs and preferences. Internally, we encourage a culture of innovation where team members are empowered to propose new ideas and solutions. Investing in the latest technology and continuously upgrading our fleet are also key strategies. By staying agile and responsive, we ensure AZ Luxe remains at the forefront of the luxury transportation industry.
18. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the luxury transportation industry?
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the luxury transportation industry, my advice would be to focus on understanding and exceeding customer expectations. Building a reputation for exceptional service is crucial. Start with a clear vision and be prepared to invest time and resources into building a strong brand. Pay attention to every detail, from the quality of your vehicles to the professionalism of your team. Networking and building relationships within the industry can also open doors to valuable opportunities. Lastly, stay adaptable and continuously seek ways to innovate and improve your services. The luxury transportation industry is competitive, but with dedication and a customer-centric approach, you can build a successful business.
As we conclude our enlightening conversation with Abbass Zadeh, CEO of AZ Luxe, it is clear that the journey of this luxury transportation company is one marked by innovation, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Abbass’s strategic vision and passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences have propelled AZ Luxe to the forefront of the industry. With ambitious plans for expansion and a keen focus on sustainability, the future looks promising for AZ Luxe. As they continue to redefine luxury transportation, we eagerly anticipate witnessing their next chapter of success. For those who seek the epitome of comfort, style, and personalized service, AZ Luxe remains the ultimate choice.
