London taxi maker hoping for a bonza bonanza Down Under
THE ICONIC London black cab is being exported to Australia – but it will be turned white for its trip Down Under.
Almost 100 taxis, freshly painted to adapt for the hot climate, have been shipped to Oz for a trial in Perth, where the state will subsidise drivers to switch to the new cars.
“We’ve had a lot of positive interest from expats, both prospective customers and drivers; what has been especially gratifying are the offers from expat London taxi drivers who not only want to buy one, but have also offered their services to train our Australian drivers on everything from the service to vehicle operation,” said Evan Simeon, head of the London Taxi Company’s Australian arm.
The Coventry-based company, which restarted production last month after a takeover by China’s Geely, hopes the trial will lead to more orders across the country.