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Call Sign July 2011
Exactly one year ago, Call Sign, pub-
ELECTRIC TX4
lished an exclusive story based on the
words of Bas Vos, then-director of Dutch
radio circuit Taxi Centrale Amsterdam
(1200 cabs / 2000 drivers) in which he
ARRIVES
claimed he was purchasing 50 electric
TX4s. Mr Vos told us that he had visited
the LTI factory in Coventry where he
claimed he had ordered 50 TX4s, howev-
er, when we questioned LTI about the
order, they refused to confirm or deny its
But it's in Holland!
existence but assured us that if it existed,
the taxis would certainly not be electric.
Mr Vos also wouldn't go any further
and the project was shrouded in secrecy,
but we found out enough to know the
plan was that the driving mechanism of
the rear wheels of the proposed left-
handed electric TX4s would be carried
out by two battery-operated electric
motors that were being developed in
Germany and which were expected to
give around 150 kilometres before need-
ing to be recharged. In addition, a one-
cylinder diesel engine was to be added as
a generator and that would recharge the
batteries while driving along, increasing
mileage between overnight charges to
around 200Km (125 miles).
The only question was whether the
TCA's electric taxis arrive in Amsterdam. Note the `e' sign on the driver's doors
mechanics would be fitted by LTI or
would they just provide the body? Now
vehicle up to an astronomical 100,000 euros
Will we see it over here? Perhaps Mayor
Call Sign has learned that the vehicles
(£87,000), but that half will come in a Dutch
Boris would like to contribute something?
were purchased as normal diesel taxis
government subsidy. The good news is that
It would be far cheaper than being fined
from the LTI/Geely China factory and
the electric TX4 will now go for 300 km
for London's dirty air...
later converted to electric.
(185 miles) without a recharge more than
Ron Yarborough
The engines have now been replaced,
enough for most drivers. All that's left is for
Call Sign Online
but we believe that the cost has put each
the Dutch government to licence it.
Sam's family for the high jump!
The trio
after
their
abseil
down 20
Cabot
2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Pool home sleeps 4/5
4 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Pool home sleeps 8/9
Square
Call Sign usually follows the boxing progress of Sam Bezzina - son of DaC driver
Dean Bezzina (M10). But as it is for such a good cause, we are giving this piece over
to Sam's family...
Sonia and Antony Bezzina, together with Sue Winzar, recently abseiled the 230ft
of 20 Cabot Square at Canary Wharf home to DaC client Morgan Stanley - in aid
6 Bedroom 5 Bathroom Pool home sleeps 12
Pool and conservation view at 6 bedroom home.
of the London Air Ambulance service based at the Royal London Hospital.
All three were new to abseiling and rather anxious of heights so at the top of the
Three properties owned by UK Registered Charity Dial A Dream. Reg. 1011637
building, after being given some brief training and instructions, they looked over the
Your opportunity to rent one of these villas and at the same time making it possible
edge and reality kicked in this was even higher than it looked from the ground!
for this charity to continue its work with children from all over the UK all of whom
But with so much money already pledged for the trio in the weeks leading up to the
are suffering from a life limiting illness. All villas within minutes of the main Disney
jump, it was time for action and they all abseiled down perfectly. Also jumping in aid
theme parks, golf courses and restaurants.
of the Air Ambulance was TV celebrity Jodie Marsh. Between them, they helped
raise a staggering £36,000 towards their target of £75,000.
We can offer car hire and theme park tickets for you and your family at very
London's Air Ambulance is London's Helicopter Emergency Medical Service providing
competitive rates.
pre-hospital care to victims of major trauma throughout London servicing the millions
So, if you are considering a Florida based holiday in the near future then call
of people who live, work and commute within the M25. Based at the Royal London,
us and you may be helping us to give a very sick cild the will to say
London's Air Ambulance has saved countless lives and is supported by rapid response
"Let me live another day".
cars. The helicopter carries a Senior Trauma Doctor and specially trained Paramedic
delivering pioneering medical procedures that have been adopted across the world.
Prices from £56 per night through to £237 per night
Any help from Call Sign readers would be greatly appreciated as the chari-
(Prices are for the villa and not per person.)
ty receives no funding and relies on the public to keep the service going.
Anyone wishing to donate may do so using this JustGiving link:
http://www.justgiving.com/Sonia-Bezzina
Donating online by debit or credit card through JustGiving is quick, easy and secure
Tel: 020 8530 5589
www.dialadream.co.uk
and any donations are sent directly to the charity. Please remember to tick the Gift Aid
box, which is then reclaimed for every eligible donation. Thank you for your support...
