New cab for London

Mercedes-Benz to launch eco-friendly London black cab
By Felix Lowe
Last Updated: 1:28am BST 17/06/2008



London's iconic black cabs will soon look a little different after it was announced that a new eco-friendly model will be hitting the capital's roads this summer.

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.
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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."
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Mercedes-Benz is a division of Stuttgart, Germany-based Daimler AG, the world's largest truck-makers.

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

LTI is the sole remaining operating division of Manganese Bronze Holdings, the Coventry-based engineering company responsible for about 93pc of London's 22,000 black cabs.