Black cab maker Manganese Bronze yesterday reported sharply higher profits on the back of the launch of its TX4 model last year, but warned sales so far this year had been affected by the uncertainty which has swept through London's financial market.

The group said that it made an operating profit of £5.6m in the 17 months to the end of December compared with £3.2m in the year to the end of July 2006.

John Russell, chief executive, said the company was "delighted with the improving profitability and significant increase in operating cash flow resulting from the success of the TX4 and the substantial progress we have made in our joint venture in Shanghai".

The group has set up a joint venture, Shanghai LTI, with Geely Automotive, which is hoping to produce its first prototype by the middle of the year. Manganese Bronze said it believed the link-up would allow the company to reduce its cost base.

Manganese Bronze said passenger demand for taxis remained healthy despite the uncertainties in financial markets, though it acknowledged: "Sales in the first quarter are below last year due to this uncertainty and also in comparison with one of our best first quarter sales performances … following the launch of the TX4."

A spokesman said that while sales were down in January and February, there had been a record performance in March.

Russell said that the company's focus for 2008 would be putting the TX4 into production in Shanghai.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/apr/17/transport

Tags: used taxis, black cabs, taxi sales, taxi-insurance

Private registration number plate – an exclusive:

G13 CAB 

This vehicle registration number represents a unique investment opportunity for individuals in the taxi-cab industry. This number plate also has a wider appeal within the cabriolet market and for the private investor. G13 number plates (readable as "GB") have become an increasingly desirable plate choice over recent years.

Readable as "GB CAB", the plate above will be sold from May 2008. The starting price is £4000. For further details including the final sale date in June 08, please register your initial interest with:  p.j.mellor.02@cantab.net

http://www.taxi-mart.co.uk/More.aspx?id=3490

Tags: london taxis, taxi-insurance, black cabs, taxi sales

Pool Motors of North London have recently uveiled their new website. I decided I would take a look for myself, the address is: http://www.poolmotors.co.uk/

I found that the site was very well laid out and that navigating around it was very easy. There was also plenty of information & pictures. It has all of the features you would expect from an up to date site including the image gallery and a map if you are not familiar with their location.

As for a recomendation, I have only used them once a long time ago when they wheelchair converted a 'Plus' for me but I remember they were great to deal with and the job was completed on time.

If you need a qoute or want to book your taxi in ether give them a call on: 020 8348 7721 or email them at: poolmotors@gmail.com

Pool Motors - London Taxi Specialists

Tags: taxi-insurance, black cabs, used taxis, taxi sales