Several of the largest chauffeured transportation companies recently have launched or are working on updates to their online booking tools, promising better control over spending.

Avis Budget Group today confirmed to Business Travel News that it has declined to increase its stake in chauffeured transportation provider Carey International to 80 percent from 45 percent. Avis Budget had one year to assume the majority stake following its initial October 2007 investment in Carey.

Chauffeured transportation consultants and executives are anticipating or experiencing a noteworthy demand slowdown, especially in New York City, epicenter of the financial industry's continuing meltdown.