Taxi Driver Online

It would appear LTI might trying to depress competition ever further by asking the Government for financial help to develop a new super low emissions cab. We know what will follow once LTI have this super environmental vehicle, the PCO will make it a condition of fitness that every other vehicle will have to meet the same standards. That might not be a bad thing if every other vehicle manufacturer had the same Government financial help as LTI? Or should LTI be a special case?
........................................................................

Coventry Evening Telegraph

July 12, 2006 Wednesday

HEADLINE: Funds plea to help black cab go green;

Taxi firm wants government help to develop new engine

BYLINE: By Fiona Scott, Political Editor

A COVENTRY firm is aiming to fly the flag for the London Olympics . . . with a specially designed taxi.

London Taxis International wants to launch a greener version of its famous black cab by then. The firm hopes the new environmentally friendlier cabs will be a common sight on the streets of London before the 2012 games. But officials from the firm say they'll need financial help from the government to make it economically viable.

Coventry Labour MPs Geoffrey Robinson and Jim [edited by admin] have pressed their case with a government minister. They met Margaret Hodge, minister for industry and the regions, in the House of Commons. Afterwards, Mr Robinson, a former Jaguar chief executive, now Coventry North-west MP, said: "They have a very interesting plan for a low emissions Olympic taxi for the 2012 Olympic Games.

"It's a great idea and they're looking for support. "She [Margaret Hodge] said the government may have some research and development schemes that could enable [LTI] to develop it." Officials are going to talk to the company about it, he revealed.

LTI has been making taxis in Coventry since 1948 and employs 450 people at its base in Holyhead Road, Coventry. Officials from the firm were wary of revealing too much about their plans.

A spokesman said: "We would like to be able to produce a low emissions vehicle but we would not be able to produce something that's economically practical for the taxi driver without government funding."

The firm wouldn't reveal what type of engine it was looking at - whether it was a refinement of the diesel engine or an entirely different fuel such as gas.

GREAT IDEA...Said Coventry North-west MP Geoffrey Robinson
......................................................