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Hail, the new London cab
26.06.08
The London black cab faces competition for the first time in years today as a new peoplecarrier-style taxi goes on sale.
The Mercedes-Benz Vito has sliding doors, electric steps and seating for six people. The familiar TX4, made by London Taxis International, seats five.
It also has rear-wheel steering that lets it meet the capital's strict 25ft turning circle rule and is able to carry two wheelchairs compared to its rival's one. Mercedes claims it will also be more fuel efficient.
Orders have already been placed for the Spanish-built Vito, which is expected to match the TX4's price tag of £34,000.
LTI is expected to launch an all-electric taxi, the TX4E, next year. Metrocab stopped building taxis in 2002.
