The London Daily News

19 June, 2008 12:15 (GMT +00:00)

Mercedes breaks black cab monopoly

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Mercedes Benz is about to enter the London black cab trade, breaking the total monopoly of London Taxi International.

For years LTI has run the roost of London's streets, responsible for about 93pc of London's 22,000 black cabs. The new six-seaters will be able to tout for business on the street, previously the sole preserve of the iconic cab.

Low emissions

Previous Mayor Ken Livingstone criticised the traditional black cab for not being environmentally friendly and tried to force the trade to install expensive filters that provided questionable benefits.

The new lower emission taxi is based on the Mercedes Vito Traveliner, and will be targeted at London's 25,000 licensed 'black cab' drivers.

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Date Added: Sunday 29 June, 2008

shame the rear windows don't move !!!! so much for secrecy, they have got the basics wrong, or a basic wrong. a urgent redesign of window is required. it just goes to show how thick the staff are at the PCO/tfL. dumb and dumber !

Date Added: Sunday 29 June, 2008

mercedes have just about got into the london taxi market. so lets hope L T I can respond with a more eco cab too. if not my next TX4 just might be a VITO!

Date Added: Saturday 21 June, 2008

Just fantastic news, about time lti had some competition.

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