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EcoCity Vehicles revealed today it has signed an exclusive contract with German car maker Mercedes-Benz to launch a new London cab through its KPM-UK Taxis subsidiary.

The new lower emission six-seat taxi is based on the Mercedes Vito Traveliner, and will be targeted at London's 25,000 licensed 'black cab' drivers.

The new environmentally friendly model will debut on June 26 at the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders. The vehicle will go on sale shortly afterwards.

Manufacturers have been under pressure to lower carbon emissions and fuel consumption following a wave of initiatives introduced by former London Mayor Ken Livingstone.

Peter Da Costa, EcoCity's chief executive, said: "Cab drivers and passengers in London will now have a choice of vehicle, and we as a company will continue to look after the driver's needs."

 

KPM-UK has held a contract with the manufacturer and retailer of traditional black cabs, London Taxi International (LTI), since 1989.

 

 

 

EcoCity Vehicles plc (‘EcoCity’ or ‘the Company’) - which was listed on the AIM in September 2007 – is pleased to announce today that it has signed an exclusive contract with Mercedes Benz to launch a new Mercedes ”London cab” through its KPM-UK Taxis subsidiary.

The new lower emission six-seat taxi is based on the Mercedes Vito Traveliner. Its rear wheel system, designed and engineered in Britain by EcoCity’s associate company One80 Limited, enables the vehicle to comply with London’s famous statutory 25 foot turning circle.

The new vehicle will be primarily aimed at London’s approximately 25,000 licensed taxi drivers. The new vehicle will be able to be hailed in the street or from one of over 500 designated ranks in London. In keeping with all London cabs, the new vehicle is 100 per cent wheelchair accessible.

KPM-UK will become the Multi-Franchise Dealer with exclusivity in Greater London and will run the new Mercedes Taxi Dealership in separate premises alongside its London Taxi International (LTI) Dealership, which it has held since 1989.

It is intended to launch the vehicle in London on the 26th of June, at the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, and the vehicle will go on sale shortly afterwards.

Peter Da Costa, EcoCity's Chief Executive, commented:

“I am delighted to have been part of the comprehensive team that has worked tirelessly on this project for the last three years and I am very proud to now represent two of the world’s finest taxi manufacturers.

“Cab drivers and passengers in London will now have a choice of vehicle, and we as a company will continue to look after the driver’s needs, something we have done successfully since 1975.”