Howard Becker of Becker Automotive Design can be considered
the forerunner of the urban SUV scene with the stunning sound
systems and luminescent interiors he built into customized SUVs
for Will Smith and other music industry heavyweights in the
mid-1990s. Becker still has his star-studded clientele, but
he is now leading the evolution of SUV tuning into luxurious,
high-tech mobile offices. Becker started out by turning Ford
Excursions into luxuriously appointed limousines that would
make a Maybach owner envious. Wireless Internet, onboard PCs
with printers, surround-sound DVD systems with 20-inch screens,
folding tables, and aircraft-style reclining seating are ready
to serve for business or pleasure. Never one to stand pat, Becker
has now turned his attention to converting Ford vans into sumptuously
equipped land-bound equivalents of executive jets. He also sees
a growing trend among his customers to armor their vehicles.
