Bold in character and strong in intelligence, Toyota’s reputation for quality precedes the new Avensis.  With design enhancements, increased space and improved technology, the Avensis is sure to prove a big hit amongst the UK’s hard-working taxi trade.

Derek Hart from Bromley in Kent has been a taxi driver for 14 years and has recently taken delivery of his new Avensis from Cab Direct. When it came to deciding which vehicle to go for, it seems there was no competition for Derek.  He explains: “I had heard so much about the Avensis that when I decided to change, I didn’t need to compare it to anything else. I knew it was the cab for me.”

Style
Toyota's latest Avensis is the third generation model in the line-up, encompassing a harmony of smooth flowing lines, resulting in an impressive and powerful presence.  The new model is noticeably Toyota but with an evolutionary styling over the older model.  With meticulous attention to detail, the Avensis interior exudes a quiet confidence that stems from an inherent sense of quality.

Derek, who opted for the Avensis TR Tourer, was more than won over by the athletic styling.  He comments: “I absolutely love the shape of the new Avensis – that’s one of the reasons I choose it over anything else.  I also love how much space it gives me.  It’s perfect for taxiing.” 

The specification on the entry-level T2 is magnificent with standard equipment such as air-conditioning, electric windows, power assisted steering and a MP3-compatible radio/CD audio system featuring 6-speakers.  Opt for the T2 model, as Derek did, and you’ll also benefit from digital climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and a rear spoiler.  The Avensis boasts style and quality in abundance and you and your passengers are sure to be impressed.

Drive Technology

Outstanding build quality ensures the Avensis is a pleasure to drive.  From the responsive 126 bhp D-4D diesel power plant to the smooth, 6-speed gearbox there’s no compromise about this superb taxi workhorse.

The 2.0 litre D-4D diesel engine offers the latest in performance engineering.  Toyota’s fuel-saving features use low-friction, lightweight components and new ‘Optimal Drive’ engine technology combining optimum power with low fuel consumption and low levels of undesirable emissions.

Fuel efficiency was another plus point for Derek.  He comments: “New Avensis is extremely fuel efficient.  Also, with Toyota you know you’ve got a car you can rely on. Which is so important in the taxi business.”  

Huge Savings

The great news for taxi drivers is that Cab Direct have negotiated a unique taxi trade special price with Toyota, offering the fabulous, all-new model Avensis from only £59.95 weekly + VAT.  Commenting on this fantastic offer, Sales Director, Peter Facenna said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer our customers this superb taxi at such a low cost.  It’s set to be even more popular than its famous predecessor.”

For more information Cab Direct’s exciting new Avensis offer call free on 0800 916 3058, visit www.cabdirect.com or email info@cabdirect.com

Noel MaGuire, from Maghera in County Derry, has bagged himself a bargain on Cab Direct’s most economical hackney, the Citroen EuroTaxi, with a little help from the Government’s Scrappage Scheme initiative.

Noel, who owns taxi firm Glenone Taxis, was understandably more than happy to trade-in his trusty 1997 Peugeot 406 estate for Cab Direct’s Citroen EuroTaxi - the latest addition to their impressive hackney offering.

Noel comments: “I’m delighted with the EuroTaxi, especially as I managed to get £2,000 off what was already a great deal. I’ve been buying vehicles from Cab Direct for years now and the fact that they’re participating in the Scrappage Scheme is just an added bonus - it helps get old cars off the road, helps people like me to buy and helps the motor industry as a whole.”

Great Cab, Superb Economy
If you’re looking for a low cost, full-spec hackney then the Citroen EuroTaxi is the cab for you. Cab Direct’s latest addition to their hackney range is their lowest costing full-spec hackney to date, combining all you need in a modern day cab with truly great economy.

With wheelchair access, motion activated door locking, full partition screen and a two way intercom, the EuroTaxi packs a huge punch from only £18,995 on the road. Noel comments: “I opted for the EuroTaxi based on value for money. It has absolutely everything you need at such little cost.”

Driveability
EuroTaxi has been developed with the needs of the modern day driver in mind. Available with the choice of 90 or 120hp diesel engine, it promises both reliability and fuel efficiency at once.

Excellent road holding and modern suspension are also your reassurance of a smooth and comfortable ride. Add to this the raised driving position, large windscreen and side windows plus full sized-wide angle mirrors and the EuroTaxi comes up trumps when it comes to busy traffic.

For Noel, who has 13 drivers on his books, driveability is key. He says: “All the drivers have been impressed with the EuroTaxi. It drives beautifully. Plus, there’s masses of space.”

Accessibility
Another big plus point for Noel is the accessibility the EuroTaxi affords him. He explains: “I wanted a vehicle with good accessibility for both wheelchair users and other disabled passengers. The running boards are ideal for my purpose.”

With the option of twin telescopic ramps or Cab Direct’s EasyGlide™ under-floor ramp, the EuroTaxi is the perfect solution for today’s conscientious driver.

If you’d like more information on the economical EuroTaxi or to find out how you can benefit from the Scrappage Scheme call Cab Direct now on 0800 916 3058, visit www.cabdirect.com or email info@cabdirect.com

A High Court ruling under European free trade laws could have wide-ranging implications for the black cab trade in London. 

For decades the old-fashioned ‘turning-circle’ has helped preserve a virtual monopoly for Coventry-based cab maker London Taxis International (LTI).  However the new court judgement opens the way for cabbies in cities like Liverpool, Manchester and London to enjoy a wider choice of vehicles for operators and passengers.

In a case brought against Liverpool City Council, Mr. Justice Blake found that the turning circle requirement infringes European law on the free movement of goods, by restricting the use and sale of Cab Direct’s E7 black cab in what would otherwise be a significant UK market.  Purpose-built by Cab Direct in conjunction with Peugeot the E7 cab is already sold across 95% of the UK’s licensing authorities. 

Quashed

Mr Justice Blake found that the restriction on use of the E7 taxi is contrary to Article 28 of the European Community Treaty, as well as finding that the Council had acted contrary to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.  Given that the E7 operates successfully across most of the UK without difficulty, the restriction was not justified on safety grounds.  Blake J. ordered that Liverpool’s decision be quashed, that the Council reconsider licensing the E7 taxi in the light of the Judge’s findings on the law, and that it pay Cab Direct’s legal costs. 

Legal experts now expect that the few remaining licensing authorities that still apply ‘London conditions’ will need to review their own taxi licensing policies and practices, in light of the ongoing discrimination under both UK and EU law highlighted by the Liverpool judgement.

The High Court ruling – which now looks set to sweep away the turning circle requirement for good – also provides a further headache for already hard-pressed LTI.  It was noticeable that a senior LTI advisor was present throughout the court hearing and was seen to be actively briefing Liverpool City Council’s legal team, despite the fact the case had no impact on the licensing of LTI’s cab.

Over the past nine years Cab Direct has fought successfully for the right to sell its cabs across most of the UK.  Earlier this year Nottingham became the latest major conurbation to welcome the E7, joining the likes of Birmingham, Leeds, Leicester, Sheffield, Newcastle, Bristol, Cardiff, Southampton, Portsmouth, Belfast and Glasgow. 

Cab Direct finally gained access to the UK’s second largest black cab market, Edinburgh, in 2006 and last year outsold LTI, taking 58% of the new cab market in the Scottish capital.  The potential implications of a similar outcome in London, which represents more than 70% of LTI’s business, are self-evident.

Discrimination

In addition to improving choice and competition for the taxi-buying cabbie, the High Court ruling could well be good news for tens of thousands of wheelchair users living in the remaining ‘London conditions’ markets. 

Liverpool City Council was also found to have breached the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).  In a landmark judgement the Court found that, contrary to the Council’s claims, its existing hackney taxi fleet – composed mainly of LTI’s ‘London-style’ cabs – was not safely accessible to all wheelchairs.  By failing to take steps to improve matters by licensing the E7, which has a larger flat floor area for manoeuvring and securing wheelchairs - the Council had failed in its legal duty and discriminated directly against a significant number of wheelchair users.

A delighted Gerry Facenna, chairman of Cab Direct, commented: “All we’re seeking is freedom of choice for taxi owners and our right to compete on a level playing field across the UK. 

“It seems ridiculous that we’ve had to go all the way to the High Court to fight our way through red tape but hopefully the end is now in sight and we look forward to the competitive challenge ahead.” 

Facenna added that the news raises hopes of a further expansion of manufacturing jobs at the company’s 300-strong manufacturing plant.