HARD TIMES FAIL TO KNOCK CHARITY SUPPORT

Despite very challenging times, staff at LTI Vehicles have dug deep into their pockets to the benefit of two local charities.

Throughout 2009, staff at the Holyhead Road firm, took part in a range of fundraising activities to raise £645 for the NSPCC and Myton Hospice.

The money will be used to support abused young people at the NSPCC Boole House project and to let staff at Myton Hospice continue the care provision for patients and their families.

Peter Shillcock, managing director at LTI Vehicles, said: "This is a tremendous effort by our workforce and a huge thank you must go out to each and everyone of them. Times may be hard, but staff have parted with their money to help those less fortunate then themselves."

For more information about LTI Vehicles visit www.lti.co.uk

ENDS

Picture caption: from left to right, Tina Hayes from NSPCC, Margaret Hitchens from LTI, Emma Weaver from LTI, Claire McDowell from Myton Hospice

News release issued on behalf of LTI Vehicles by Connect PR.

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com

CZECH REPUBLIC HAILS THE ARRIVAL OF THE LONDON TAXI

The famous lines of the iconic London Taxi will soon be transporting passengers throughout the streets of the Czech Republic.

Hotels, local companies and businesses are set to take advantage of the unique service as they extend the facility to their guests and international business travellers who will want to use the legendary vehicle for their visit.

“We know the London Taxi is going to be a hit in Prague as we have received a large number of advanced enquiries,” said Matthew Cheyne, International Market Development Director for The London Taxi Company.

“A search has now started to source a partner who will import the vehicle into the Czech Republic and provide sales and aftersales support. We believe this opportunity will give businesses a unique advantage over the competition and I’m sure that very soon we will start seeing the taxi being used on the streets of Prague.”

The current version of the London Taxi is built in China to British standards by LTI Vehicles and their joint venture company Geely and will be operated by both individual drivers and limousine companies to introduce a new London style service. Drivers will be trained in customer care techniques and given lessons on sight seeing tours so they can point out places of interest to their passengers.

Anyone wanting to find out more about The London Taxi Company should visit www.londontaxis.co.uk, www.lit.co.uk or email enquiries@londontaxis.co.uk.

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of LTI Vehicles by Connect PR. For further information call +44 (0)1902 714957.

CASH UP FOR GRABS FOR LUCKY LICENCE NUMBERS

Lucky licensed hackney carriage drivers are in with a chance to win £500 every month in a free prize draw organised by London Taxi dealership Mann & Overton Birmingham.

The first draw was held as part of an Open Day, on Wednesday 18 November at Mann & Overton’s showroom on Junction Six Industrial Estate in Birmingham. Any licensed hackney carriage driver whose up-to-date details were registered with Mann & Overton will be included in the draw each month.

John Loakes, M&O Birmingham’s General Manager, said: “We are calling upon hackney carriage drivers to send in their details for a chance to win our monthly cash jackpot. You can do this by visiting our website www.mannandoverton.com and completing the ‘You must be in it to win it’ entry form or come and visit us at our showroom.

“This ongoing prize draw not only rewards our region’s dedicated taxi drivers, but by registering their details it also ensures our customers receive the latest special offers and promotions.”

A series of Open Days are planned between now and the end of the year, where customers have the chance to view the popular TX4 and place orders before the VAT increase in January, as well as enter the ‘In it to win it’ free prize draw.

Mann & Overton is the UK’s number one retailer of the famous London Taxi, a globally-recognised brand built in Coventry.

For more information please visit www.lti.co.uk.

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of LTI Vehicles by Connect PR.

For further information call Lee Southen on +44 (0)1902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

MALTA HAILS THE LONDON TAXI

LTI Vehicles has secured further international orders for its London Taxi with the appointment of Muscats Motors Ltd as the official importer of the world famous London Taxi.

The announcement was made following a successful demonstration of the TX4 vehicle in Malta earlier this month. With delivery set for the end of November 2009, drivers and passengers in Malta and Gozo will soon be part of a taxi system that is hailed throughout the world.

“Maltese dealer Muscats Motors Ltd quickly realised the benefits of a tailor made taxi service that sets them apart from the competition,” said Matthew Cheyne, International Market Development Director for LTI Vehicles. “There has been a fantastic reaction to our taxi during the launch. The Maltese say that the service brings them up to date with their neighbouring countries and makes them feel as if their country is coming of age.”

The London Taxi Service is an added value service aimed at giving passengers a better quality of service based on the unique London Taxi.

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of LTI Vehicles by Connect PR.

For further information call Lee Southen on +44 (0)1902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

LTI VEHICLES CALLS FOR AN EXTENSION TO CAR SCRAPPAGE SCHEME

LTI Vehicles the British manufacturer of the iconic London Taxi has called on the Government to extend the Car Scrappage Scheme.

John Russell, Chief Executive Officer of Manganese Bronze Holdings the parent company of LTI Vehicles, supports recent appeals from a number of automotive organisations for the Government to continue to support the Motor Industry and British jobs;

“The Government’s Car Scrappage Scheme has provided real help for business over the last few months. It has accounted for over 20% of London Taxi sales during the period of the scheme and has supported sales volume through one of the deepest recessions in living memory.

“As a British manufacturer based in Coventry, with dealerships across the UK we are calling on the Government to extend the Scrappage Scheme, while the automotive market remains fragile.

“While other countries are moving out of recession the OECD have released data to show the UK economy will shrink more than the Treasury has forecast this year and our exit from recession will be slower than the US or European recovery. Given the position of the UK economy and British manufacturing it would appear prudent to extend the Scrappage Scheme to support the British automotive sector.

“LTI Vehicles is an excellent example of the success of the Government’s Scrappage Scheme and a reason to extend its operation in the current economic conditions.”

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ Scrappage Scheme has supported 125 new taxi sales since its launch in May. This represents over 20% of all sales during the period the scheme has been operating.

It is predicted that the Scrappage Scheme will run out of funds in October. The automotive sector will also be hit by a return to 17.5% VAT on 1 January 2010 and a new Road Fund Licence regime in April 2010, which will introduce a new first year rate, which will add £740 onto the cost of a new taxi at the point of sale.

The other support packages announced by the Government for the industry this year have not achieved the same success as the Scrappage Scheme. The Automotive Assistance Programme has only provided £10m from the £2.3bn fund announced by Lord Mandelson in February. A number of other announcements of “Real Help” for business, including the Working Capital Guarantee Scheme and trade credit top up insurance have also failed to provide any tangible help to the automotive sector.

LTI Vehicles will be meeting and writing to a number of key stakeholders to seek support for the industry’s call for an extension to the Car Scrappage Scheme.

ENDS

Photo Caption: John Russell, Chief Executive Officer of Manganese Bronze Holdings

For more information please visit www.lti.co.uk.

For enquiries please call Lee Southen at Connect PR on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

LTI VEHICLES URGES TAXI DRIVERS TO BUY NOW BEFORE SCRAPPAGE SCHEME ENDS

LTI Vehicles is urging taxi drivers to take advantage of the Government’s scrappage scheme, which is widely expected to end next month.

The news comes as the Department for Business announces that over 200,000 vehicles have been sold under the scheme and the Government’s budget is expected to run out by mid-October as car owners take advantage of the subsidy on offer.

Over two-thirds of the £300 million budget set aside for the scheme has already gone. The scheme gives drivers £2,000 incentive towards a new vehicle if they scrap a vehicle over 10 years old as part of the deal.

Rob Laidler, Sales Director at LTI Vehicles, said: “The scrappage scheme has been a real success for LTI and the taxi trade with many drivers taking advantage of the £2000 incentive.

“The scheme will end shortly and we are advising drivers looking to participate in the Scrappage Scheme to take advantage of this deal and purchase a new TX4 before the funding runs out.”

The Government has confirmed that the scheme will not be extended.

It is the best time to purchase a new TX4 with a £2000 scrappage incentive, strong offers from LTI and 15% VAT until 1 January 2010.

To find out more about LTI Vehicles visit www.lti.co.uk.

ENDS

For more information please visit www.lti.co.uk. For enquiries please call Lee Southen at Connect PR on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

LTI VEHICLES APPOINTS NEW DEALER

LTI Vehicles has appointed The International Taxi Company Limited as the official distributor of the world famous London Taxi in Egypt.

The London Taxi is still the worlds only purpose-built taxi and can not only seat up to five passengers but has accessibility features to suit everyone’s needs. This iconic vehicle will soon be seen on the streets of Cairo where passengers and drivers can enjoy the benefits of the specially designed vehicle.

Orders have already been taken as The International Taxi Company Limited has reported unprecedented interest by Egyptian drivers and businesses wanting to benefit from owning one of the unique purpose built taxis.

It is hoped that hundreds of the instantly recognisable vehicles will be seen on the streets of Cairo as the soon to be launched London Taxi Service plays a major role in the development of the country’s transport and taxi services.

Matthew Cheyne, International Market Development Director for LTI Vehicles, said: “Many international businesses, drivers and passenger groups have been quick to realise the benefits that a purpose-built taxi and a professional taxi service can deliver. As we look to spread the success of the London Taxi, The International Taxi Company Limited is a welcome addition to our rapidly expanding global network.”

To find out more about LTI Vehicles email info@londontaxis.co.uk or visit www.lti.co.uk.

ENDS

Photo caption: from left to right, Mohamed Abou Ghaly (Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Media Motion), Maher Abou Ghaly (Chairman, Abou Ghaly Motors), John Russell (Chief Executive, Manganese Bronze Holdings), Seif Coutry (Chairman, Media Motion), Ihab Gohar (Co-Managing Director, Mediair-Carat), Matthew Cheyne (International Market Development Director, The London Taxi Company) and Ahmed Agiez (Business Development Director, Abou Ghaly Motors).

News release issued on behalf of LTI Vehicles by Connect PR. For further information call Lee Southen on +44 (0)1902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

LONDON TAXI HAS ARABIAN APPEAL

Saudi Arabia is the first country to welcome a London Taxi, built in Shanghai, to its streets.

Ordered by LTI Vehicles’ distributor for the Kingdom, Urja Holdings, ten of the purpose-built vehicles will operate as the London Taxi Service from the Four Seasons hotel.

LTI’s international aftersales co-ordinator, Rob Watson, was on hand to officially present the vehicles and train staff to the same professional standard as demonstrated by drivers on the roads of London and the rest of the UK.

“Initial reaction to the London Taxi has been great,” said Matthew Cheyne, International Market Development Director for LTI Vehicles. “It’s made such an impression that Urja Holdings has ordered a further 28 vehicles for operation in Saudi Arabia.

“We’re delighted with how our joint venture with Shanghai LTI is quickly transforming the London Taxi into a global product. Other markets in the Middle East and Europe are looking to launch a service just like the one we’ve established and we are always looking for partners to share in our success.”

To find out more about LTI Vehicles email info@londontaxis.co.uk or visit www.lti.co.uk.

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of LTI Vehicles by Connect PR. For further information call Lee Southen on +44 (0)1902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

TAXI FIRM HAILS ONLINE EXPORT SERVICE

LTI Vehicles, makers of the world famous London Taxi, has joined the list of British exporters seeking new business partners by securing a working relationship with www.exportuk.co.uk.

The website, which is the only dedicated online resource to promote British products and services, has a primary market position with all major search engines and boasts over 66,500 registered users.

As part of LTI’s silver subscription package, the firm hopes to receive hundreds of enquiries as agents and distributors tap into the powerful database to find a suitable business partner. Last year, the site generated 7,000 sales leads for British companies.

Matthew Cheyne, International Market Development Director for LTI Vehicles, said: “As our operation and reputation grows internationally, we need to find the right dealers and businesses who want to share in our success. exportuk.co.uk allows us to do just that.

“Our TX4 model has already generated lots of interest from international businesses, passengers and operators and we have already secured our iconic product into Bahrain, Poland and Dubai.”

To find out more about LTI Vehicles visit www.lti.co.uk or email info@londontaxis.co.uk.

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of LTI Vehicles by Connect PR. For further information call Lee Southen on 00 44 (0)1902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

COVENTRY FIRM GOES GLOBAL

The first London Taxis built in Shanghai have been introduced to drivers and passengers in Saudi Arabia. The news signals exciting times ahead for its makers, LTI Vehicles, as a joint venture in China is set to transform the Coventry-based firm into a global brand.

Ordered by LTI’s Distributor in the Kingdom, Ujra Holdings, they will be operated as the London Taxi Service from the Four Seasons hotel, where ten of the famous black cabs will be carrying guests to the airport, major tourist attractions and conference venues. Further orders have also been received for twenty eight more taxis for Saudi Arabia as they prove so popular with passengers and drivers.

The London Taxi has been specially adapted to cope with the hotter climate. Built with a higher specification of air conditioning, tinted windows and parts that allow for expansion in the heat as well as able to cope with the desert dust, the taxi was chosen to move customers about rather than use more traditional saloon taxis.

For Matthew Cheyne, International Market Development Director for LTI Vehicles, these are exciting times for the whole team. “Our TX4 model is generating a lot of interest from international businesses, passengers and operators. Enquiries are increasing and drivers and passengers are telling us that the London Taxi is providing them with a first class ride and experience.

“Shanghai LTI, our Chinese joint venture with Geely, is quickly transforming us into a global brand as we expand our operation and take our iconic product into countries such as Bahrain, Poland and Dubai.”

As part of the joint venture, Geely has established a new factory unit at its Shanghai site where Chinese employees have been trained by their Coventry counterparts.

Matthew believes both parties have much to gain from the joint venture as commercial production gets underway. “Geely is a very fast moving, highly entrepreneurial business with proven product development and production capabilities.

“The venture will also bring benefits to our UK operation by allowing us to take advantage of more cost-effective components for our current range. This will help us to maintain our price competitiveness and generate profits to invest in the business.”

As the UK’s largest British-owned automotive manufacturer, LTI employs 450 people at its Coventry manufacturing plant and wholly owned Mann & Overton dealerships in London, Birmingham and Manchester.

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of LTI Vehicles by Connect PR. For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

TAXI DRIVER BACK IN BUSINESS THANKS TO TX4

A Plymouth cabbie is back to work as a professional taxi driver having traded in his unreliable Fiat Scudo for a purpose-built TX4 London Taxi.

The vehicle, which had been off the road since Christmas, gave Trevor Joyce a constant headache as he needed a reliable income with flexible working hours to look after his 3½ year old daughter.

Replaced front suspension, four new turbos, two ignition boxes, one gearbox and a steering pump later and Trevor was left with no choice but to opt for the tried and tested TX4.

“These converted vehicles give you no added peace of mind,” said Trevor. “Neither Fiat or the company behind the conversion would take responsibility for any of the vehicle’s faults. It’s left me in a real predicament.

“I’m now back to being a proper taxi driver and no longer feel like a delivery driver. The TX4 has that reliability that I’m looking for along with a reputable name stamped across the product in LTI Vehicles.

“I’m pleased to say that I’ve been very busy since taking delivery of my TX4 over four weeks ago. I’m glad to report no faults and would like to thank M&O Birmingham for making the change happen so smoothly and quickly.”

Gary Thomas, salesman at M&O Birmingham, said: “We’re delighted that Trevor has chosen the TX4. He was off the road so many times with his Fiat Scudo that his earnings really suffered. As many drivers will testify, the reliability of the TX4 is second to none.”

To find out more about LTI Vehicles visit www.lti.co.uk.

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of LTI Vehicles by Connect PR. For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

LTI SCRAP OLDEST TAXI TO DATE AS FLEET OPERATOR CASHES IN ON SCRAPPAGE SCHEME

LTI Vehicles has scrapped its oldest taxi to date under the Government's 'scrappage' scheme.

The 20 year old Fairway, which had clocked up over 600,000 miles, was taken in by leading LTI taxi dealership, M&O London.

As a result, the vehicle's owner, Sheldon Posner of Cricklewood Carriers, has received a £5,000 discount on a brand new model of the London taxi – the TX4. This fantastic deal was made possible thanks to the £2,000 scrappage incentive and a further £3,000 price reduction.

Commenting on the scheme, Sheldon said: "I buy cabs regularly from M&O as the older they get the more expensive they are to re-license, so this initiative is most welcoming.

“In my professional opinion, the TX4 London taxi is the best taxi ever made. No other vehicle is built quite like it. Purpose-built by securing the cab body directly onto the chassis, the taxi is strong and durable. It’s this feature, which gives the vehicle its unrivalled longevity that's so important to me. It also has an envious turning circle that can spin on a sixpence, making it quicker than any van conversion. This makes the vehicle so agile.

“The TX1 had only just come out when I fondly recall my four year old daughter shouting taxi and pointing at a TX1 parked up at Tesco. This proves just how recognisable and distinctive the traditional London Taxi is and is so across the world.”

Peter Rigden, General Manager at M&O London, said: “We’re delighted that fleet operators such as Sheldon are taking advantage of this offer to clean up London’s taxi fleet. We now open up the challenge to see if we can scrap an even older vehicle.

“However, in today’s current climate scrapping an old taxi is not the only way to grab a great deal. With excellent part exchange values and competitive finance rates, there are a number of offers always available which we can tailor to our customers needs if they are considering upgrading to a new or used taxi”.

“With the added advantage of the lower rate of VAT, our £5,000 scrappage offer means now is the time to buy and we would urge drivers to come and talk to us before the Government’s limited budget to support the scheme runs out.”

To find out more about LTI Vehicles visit www.lti.co.uk.

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of LTI Vehicles by Connect PR. For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

POLE POSITION FOR LONDON TAXI

A familiar sight on the roads of Britain, the London taxi is globally recognised as the world’s finest taxi service.

In a move by its manufacturer to develop a professional service throughout Europe and the world, a demo vehicle of the British icon has started to turn heads on the streets of Warsaw.

As a result, LTI Vehicles has been inundated with enquires on how Polish dealers and businesses can be a part of the unrivalled taxi system that provides its passengers with a first class ride and experience.

Matthew Cheyne, International Market Development Director for LTI Vehicles, said: “People who see the London Taxi instantly want it. Passengers want to ride in it, taxi drivers want to drive it and businesses want to own it. Our demo vehicle in Poland has proved just that.

“The London taxi is unique, instantly recognisable, practical, comfortable and spacious. Drivers find it easy to drive and very manoeuvrable with its tight turning circle and passengers will feel safe and relaxed. It’s sure to be a big success in Poland.

“We are currently looking for taxi dealers to get involved with its launch and take advantage of a tailor made taxi service that will set them apart from the competition.”

If you are a taxi operator, driver or passenger and want to find out more simply email info@londontaxis.co.uk.

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of LTI Vehicles by Connect PR. For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.