Geely's Black Cab copycat
One of China's biggest car makers takes aim at the London black cab.
April 2011
All hail the new London cab! This is the Englong SC7-RV,
produced by Geely and aimed at the lucrative Chinese taxi market.
The sector is currently dominated by Volkswagen, which together with SAIC builds its own, updated version of the second generation Passat called the Santana 3000. To date, Volkswagen has sold 3.2 million Santanas across China, and will continue to build the car until 2012.
With a look inspired by the famous TX4, the rival from Geely gets a protected zone for the driver, and seats for up to five passengers.
Like the famous black cab, there are fold down seats in the back, plus rear-hinged doors to make getting in and out easier.
Before this concept arrived on the scene, Geely, which finances LTI parent firm Manganese Bronze Holdings, had hoped to bring the LTI London cab to the streets of Shanghai – but according to a company executive, the TX4’s high price and complex construction made this process too expensive.
Switching its focus away from this model and concentrating on the Englong could offer signifcant savings.
Though details remain scarce, the new car will be underpinned by an existing chassis and engine from Geely’s line-up.
While Geely says there are no plans to try to introduce this car into overseas markets, its creation is a clear indication that the firm is serious about transforming its fortunes in this profitable area of the market.
Lining up alongside the Englong was Geely's famed Rolls-Royce copycat, the Engrand GE. Originally launched in 2009, the design of this ultra luxury saloon has been further refined, and Geely has lost the Flying Lady inspired bonnet mascot - all of which should please Rolls-Royce, as the British luxury car brand had threatened to sue Geely, for trademark infringement.
Source; http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/motorshows ... pycat.html
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FAQ
I don't think we'll be seeing this one.