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.

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.