London’s iconic black cabs may not be exclusive to the UK for much longer as car producer Shanghai LTI begins manufacturing the taxis in China’s largest city .The Financial Times has reported that production has finally started in the Far East, after Manganese Bronze (MB), who manufacture the taxi in the UK, and Geery agreed a deal in 2006, resulting in Shanghai LTI.
Until recently, the black cabs had only been manufactured in the UK, but with the country in depression production had dropped to 12 vehicles a day in a four-day week
The deal could lead to black cabs being used in other eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Transport for London’s strict taxi requirements – in particular a rule regarding the turning circle of a vehicle used on the capital’s streets – has kept MB ticking over.
Whilst MB’s join venture with Geely should lead to a decline in production costs and (hopefully)an increase in annual profits, the firm have promised to keep all production for the domestic market in the UK.
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