New Order for 200 Taxis for Bahrain
Manganese Bronze Holdings PLC, the leading manufacturer of the distinctive London taxi, is pleased to announce its largest international order to date, with the middle eastern state of Bahrain signing a contract for 200 taxis.
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (BEDB) has chosen the London taxi because of its strong brand values and global reputation. The first 50 taxis, which are white in colour with a chequered flag roof, will be delivered to the Arabian Taxi Company in December of this year. The remaining 150 will be delivered by March 2009 and operating as taxis at the time of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix in April. The vehicles will be manufactured by LTI in Coventry. The BEDB established the Arabian Taxi Company to re-issue 300 of Bahrain's 900 taxi licences in an attempt to regenerate licences held by retired taxi drivers and their families.
John Russell, Chief Executive of Manganese Bronze plc, said:
"This deal highlights the move by an increasing number of international governments, businesses and operators to look for a viable transport solution to their current public transport problems. It demonstrates the very real international appeal of the London taxi even before we have begun commercial production at our new joint venture in China. We hope to supply Bahrain with more taxis and look forward to working with their middle eastern neighbours in the near future."
"The London taxi will provide Bahrain with a premier taxi service and passengers will benefit from a safe, secure and comfortable mode of transport. Bahrain's old and unreliable taxi fleet will be replaced with a professional service that closely resembles London's unrivalled transport network."