London Taxi Company has officially opened its new £300 million UK vehicle production plant, which has created more than 1,000 new jobs.

Located in Ansty, near Coventry, the new plant will produce the world’s first mass-market electric taxi – the TXS.

Geely bought London Taxi Company in 2013 after it went into administration, and this development comes as the first major Chinese investment of its kind in the UK automotive industry.

The first vehicle to be produced at the plant is set to the new range-extender electric black cab, with this powertrain layout cutting fuel costs for drivers and lowering emissions levels for inner city areas.

With a yearly build capacity of more than 20,000 vehicles, the plant is designed to produce taxis that offer the highest level of quality and usability.

Chris Gubbey, chief executive of the London Taxi Company, said: “Today marks the rebirth of the London Taxi Company. A company with a singular vision: to design and build dedicated urban commercial vehicles that can operate without emissions in cities around the world and bring down running costs for drivers.”

Despite maintaining the original black cab’s iconic looks, the new car uses a Volvo electric powertrain and a new light-weight platform.

The new vehicle retains key features, such as being wheelchair-accessible and offering an impressively high level of manoeuvrability – something the original black cab was renowned for.

The new car is set to go on sale in London in the latter part of this year, while cars will be available to global customers in early 2018.

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