Photo: Geely
If you see a London cab burning after January 1, 2018, don't put it out with water because you and a lot of other people around you will be in a world of pain. Geely, the Chinese company that owns the famous LTC now has just announced it will be transforming the second most iconic vehicle of Great Britain's capital into a plug-in hybrid. The decision overlaps with the newly announced regulations coming into effect on the first day of 2018.
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. managed to secure $400 million through a green bond sale, and says it will use the money to finance the development of the TX5. The next-gen London cab will still draw its exterior design inspiration from the classic 1958 FX4, but will offer its occupants a much more enjoyable time on board.
The TX5, which was unveiled back in October during a visit to the United Kingdom of the Chinese president Xi Jinping, is said to come with a panoramic glass roof (to offer tourists a better chance of spotting London's attractions on the move), seating for six (one more than the current vehicle), and Wi-Fi access.
The Chinese company has been investing heavily in its UK operation, building a 36,000 vehicles a year factory near Coventry 1,000 employees will be working to make the TX5. The plant is scheduled for an opening early next month. The new mayor of London has big plans for curbing the alarming levels of smog in the city center, and so all new taxis registered after January 1, 2018, will have to be zero-emissions capable.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain makes the most sense for taxi operators, as it doesn't require any type of adjustment from its drivers like using fully electrical vehicles. Bloomberg reports that the Coventry plant-built plug-in hybrid TX5s should become available for purchase in the last quarter of 2017, meaning they come just in time for the new rules.
The TX5, which was unveiled back in October during a visit to the United Kingdom of the Chinese president Xi Jinping, is said to come with a panoramic glass roof (to offer tourists a better chance of spotting London's attractions on the move), seating for six (one more than the current vehicle), and Wi-Fi access.
The Chinese company has been investing heavily in its UK operation, building a 36,000 vehicles a year factory near Coventry 1,000 employees will be working to make the TX5. The plant is scheduled for an opening early next month. The new mayor of London has big plans for curbing the alarming levels of smog in the city center, and so all new taxis registered after January 1, 2018, will have to be zero-emissions capable.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain makes the most sense for taxi operators, as it doesn't require any type of adjustment from its drivers like using fully electrical vehicles. Bloomberg reports that the Coventry plant-built plug-in hybrid TX5s should become available for purchase in the last quarter of 2017, meaning they come just in time for the new rules.
Google News