London Black Cab makes its debut at Shanghai Show

The world famous purpose-built London taxi will be unveiled to the Chinese public for the first time at the country’s largest motor show this month.

Manganese Bronze Holdings, the parent company of LTI Vehicles, manufacturer of the famous London taxi, has recently signed a deal with Chinese firm Geely for the vehicles to be produced at a new Shanghai factory for the Chinese market.

So the company is using the city’s motor show to showcase the taxis to the public for the first time.

The new TX4 taxis, including a gold-coloured, gold-specification model, were shipped to China last month, and will be on display from 20 to 28 April.

“We obviously already have very strong ties with China and are looking forward to getting to know the people there even better,” said John Russell, Chief Executive of Manganese Bronze Holdings, who will speak at the exhibition.

Launched last October to wide acclaim, the TX4 retains the distinctive look of the traditional London taxi but with a host of improved features, including a cleaner, Euro IV-compliant engine, anti-lock brakes as standard and new suspension.

Production at the new Shanghai plant is due to start in 2008.