Want to be ferried around in a 'London cab' in New Delhi, Kolkata or Mumbai? That could just be within the realms of possibility.
Because London Taxis International, the maker of the famous black cab which is one of the attractions of the British capital and among the more recognisable icons of the world, is gearing up for a local drive.
The company is in talks with the Chandrakanta Birla group major Hindustan Motors for manufacturing the cab in India. The model being proposed is London Taxis' latest offering, the TX1, which has the legendary 25-foot turning circle and incorporates latest features such as power steering, disc brakes and power windows.
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Since January 1, 2002, the cab is being fitted with a Ford engine in order to be able to meet Euro III norms. Before that, it used to come fitted with a Nissan engine.
In London, the TX1 comes with a price tag of 25,000 pounds (Rs 17,50,000). However, it can be manufactured extremely cheap in India, says a top company executive.
"We are definitely looking at the Indian market very seriously," says Updesh K Ramnath, director, overseas operations, London Taxis International.
He told Business Standard over phone from London that the products may either be imported into India or manufactured locally.
"Imports will be cheap since I understand that India's finance ministry will impose minimum taxes on import of such vehicles," he says.
But adds: "We are also talking to some Indian manufacturers such as Hindustan Motors for producing the vehicle locally." Says Hindustan Motors president B K Chaturvedi: "Yes, we have held elementary discussions. They came to us with a project plan. But we are yet to take any decision since such a project has to take into account the feasibility and economics of the business."
Ramnath, however, said that the discussions with Hindustan Motors will continue during his visit to the ensuing Auto Expo 2002 in New Delhi next week. London Taxis will be part of the UK automobile industry representation at the show. The London cab will also be on display.
The TX1 will not be positioned in the general taxi segment where the Amby, the Premier Padmini and the Maruti van are dominant players, since it will come at a premium. The company will target hotels and travel taxi operators and premium hospitality businesses. Since the TX1 also incorporates as standard a range of features designed specifically to aid disabled passengers, with integral fold-out wheelchair ramp, etc, it can be used by hospitals to ferry patients as well.
London Taxis International is a leading specialist taxi builder for more than 50 years. It currently produces 3,000 cabs every year, 90 per cent of which are consumed in the London and surrounding markets.
The remaining 10 per cent is being exported to south-east Asian countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan.
"We hope our vehicle can be of great service to the Indian market as well," Ramnath adds.