Call Sign August 2011
Page 16
The taxi trade has of late been
Questions that DaC drivers have asked us about the TX4
inundated with new regulations
Call Sign speaks to the
regarding older taxis and the new
15-year rolling age limit coming in
from 1 January 2012. In addition, as
London Taxi Company
of 1 April 2012 all newly licensed
taxis must as a minimum meet Euro
how good you are at haggling! We've seen used
5 standards for emissions. At
sales jump up as a direct result of this policy.
around the same time, taxis will
Our used taxis can be found on-line at
face two MoT tests each year with a
www.london-taxis.co.uk.
third, referred to as a basic annual
In addition we have teamed up Verifone
and Black Horse Taxi Finance who have put
taxi-related annual TfL inspection.
together a £3,000 sponsorship deal for the first
The three will replace the overhaul.
200 drivers that sign up. It is available to dri-
With so many changes coming in,
vers with a taxi over 14 years old and (with no
Call Sign spoke to Rob Laidler, Sales
other deposit) results in weekly payments of
just £129 for a Style Automatic.
Director of the London Taxi
Company, to question him about
Call Sign: Although Call Sign has published
the new regulations and the TX4...
articles about hydrogen TX4s running on test,
when does the London Taxi Company think
that is needed. Should that not be standard
Call Sign: The London Taxi Company has
it will be in the position to offer a hydrogen
throughout both TX4 models?
confirmed that by January 2012 the TX4 will
taxi for sale and as a rough estimate, how
Also, have the London Taxi Company con-
need to meet Euro 5 emissions regulations,
much does the company believe it would
sidered a step to assist elderly or disabled pas-
which means the fitting of a new exhaust sys-
cost to buy?
sengers entering the taxi?
tem and diesel particulate filter in addition to
Rob Laidler: The Hydrogen programme has
Rob Laidler: We predicted at launch that the
a recalibration of the engine. However, the
gone really well, but most industry experts do
vast majority of sales into London would be for
company also point out that other than those
not expect to see significant volumes of hydro-
the Elegance model (that includes full air-con-
three items, there would be no other changes
gen vehicles on our streets much before the
ditioning) and we have been proved right. The
to the vehicle's specification or mechanical
start of 2020. The issues are around the diffi-
parts. Will these modifications bring the road
price differential between the two models
culties of setting up a hydrogen refuelling
tax price back down to what it was before?
means that the Elegance model is a logical
infrastructure and also the speed at which the
Rob Laidler: Euro 5 is all about reducing par-
choice for most drivers. Outside London how-
component costs can be brought down to a
ticulate and NOX emissions, whereas the road
ever, the purchasing decisions are often fun-
realistic level. I won't tell you what each taxi
tax bands are based on CO2 emissions. We're
damentally different to those inside London.
costs to produce at the moment, suffice to say it
waiting for the official figures to come back, but
The majority of regional sales remain for the
would make your eyes water!
we are not expecting significant changes to the
manual gearbox with the lowest specification
CO2 output. Any reduction in the tax band
available. In the regional markets it is impor-
Call Sign: Most, if not all of the TX4s early
would therefore be an unexpected bonus.
tant that we provide the drivers with what they
problems seem to have been ironed out, but
demand, which is the lowest possible cost of
are there plans for a TX5?
Call Sign: With all the problems for the trade
ownership for a new purpose built taxi.
Rob Laidler: No, the Euro 5 version of TX4
involving Euro 5, when will we be hit by Euro
With regards to accessibility, the TX4 range
will take us through to Euro 6.
6 requirements?
has the most comprehensive range of features
Rob Laidler: Euro 6 will come into effect from
available in any taxi, including an intermedi-
Call Sign: Thanks for your time Rob...
1 September 2015.
ate step, ramp, swivel seat, induction hearing
loop and contrasting grab handles.
SAVINGS!
Call Sign: It seems that whilst the Coventry
facility is struggling due to the current finan-
Call Sign: Why can't the company improve
cial climate, the business in Shanghai seems to
the vehicle's fuel consumption figures?
be working well. Is there ever likely to be a
Rob Laidler: The TX4 tries to balance a num-
time when the whole TX4 comes from China?
ber of competing demands including size,
# KITCHENS
DaC drivers
Rob Laidler: It has been a difficult economy to
durability, longevity, accessibility features,
& APPLIANCES
phone for
do business in, but the fact that we operate as
emission levels and fuel consumption. It is also
special offe
a global entity now means that the company is
# BEDROOMS
rs
true that drivers can have an enormous influ-
better protected than ever before and can
ence through their personal driving styles and
# WORKTOPS
weather these financial storms much more
techniques. We continue to work hard in part-
# DOOR & DRAW REPLACMENTS
effectively. Whilst we are absolutely committed
nership with our engine supplier, VM Motori, to
# PLANTATION SHUTTERS
to our UK market, we are always looking at
improve fuel economy as well as comply with
methods of reducing the cost of production for
our regulatory obligations.
# ALL TYPES OF BLINDS
our taxis, and ultimately our customers. This
# AWNINGS
includes sourcing as many lower cost items as
Call Sign: Would the London Taxi Company
we can, both at home and from overseas mar-
consider helping out drivers who have no
You are welcome to visit
kets. Our Shanghai operation is dedicated to
choice but to get rid of their cabs through age
our showroom at:
fulfilling demand in the export market. We
by perhaps offering an extended finance
have no plans to move UK production abroad
Unit 8 Tripes Farm,
agreement perhaps over 6 or 7 years - whilst
and remain committed to our production
Chelsfield Lane,
charging a reasonable rate?
facility in Coventry.
Orpington, Kent BR6 7RS
Rob Laidler: We're doing our best to ease the
transition of drivers from older taxis into
Instant Kitchen and
Call Sign: While most passengers seem to
newer models in a couple of ways. Firstly, we
Bedroom & Blinds UK
prefer the shape of the TX4 over its Mercedes
have introduced transparent pricing onto all
01689 897111...
rival, the recent hot spell showed that the idea
Call Ian (R50) on
our new and used vehicles. This ensures every-
of air conditioning throughout is something
one gets a great price; it's no longer down to
