這種被稱為ＴＸ４的出租車，其實就是倫敦黑色出租車的翻版，在英國它已擁有７０年的歷史，與勞斯萊斯、賓利等車型齊名，曾被英國王室多次乘用，并作為女王生日慶典專用車和２００２年英聯(lián)邦運動會的禮賓車，目前還被確定為２０１２年倫敦奧運會的指定用車。?

London's iconic black cabs may soon become a common sight on the streets of China. So far, only 30 of the bulky taxis run the roads of the nation's capital where the model's in contrast with the London original: sporty yellow flash along a white body.

But Chinese carmaker Geely and its British partner Manganese Bronz hope to change that by putting 1000 of the TX4 model London cabs in Chinese cities by the end of this year.

"The initial cost to purchase this vehicle would be higher than the normal taxis, it would also cost more in terms of fuel usage and operational costs but we'll try our best to reduce the amount of time that the taxi would be empty."

Geely's version of the London taxis are made in a province outside Shanghai and available in 12 colors. Geely aims to boost sales to 5000 units annually in 3 years and will target wealthy businessmen for the auto is priced between $29,000 to $33,000, about 1/3 of the UK-made model.

The company hopes to carve out a brand name for itself with this venture while Geely is known in China for making budget cars Local Chinese passengers say they appreciate the extra space without the additional charge.

"The legal seating allowance is higher, so it suits a party of lots of people going out together, especially young people who always pile into one car."

Analysts see the partnership as win-win, as it provides Geely a chance to break into Europe and the U.S while the company already exports to over 50 countries, mostly in the developing world.


流行天王邁克爾·杰克遜逝世專題