European Motor News

LTI Sales Director, Rob Laidler warns drivers to grab a bargain before the end of March and avoid the price rise.

In the 2009 budget the Government announced an increase in first registration tax to come into effect on the 1st April 2010 which will see all new vehicle prices increase. The effect of the tax is to substantially increase the cost of a new vehicle for the first year only. It is for this reason that it has been dubbed a “showroom tax” by some pundits.

LTI will also be increasing the base vehicle price to cover movements in the cost of raw materials and exchange rates. These increases are compounded by the new tax rate coming into force.

“If drivers want to avoid the price rise then they need to go out and bag themselves a “10” plate bargain and take delivery before the end of March” said Laidler.

“This is not an early April fool to get drivers in the showroom this is a very real warning to drivers not to wait and cost them money. The price of a new TX4 will be going up due to an increase in costs and to cover the tax rise. We don’t want to do it but we have to pass the increases on to the customer. But if they buy now for delivery in March they won’t get charged.”

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Warsaw got its first taste of a world famous Icon last night when the London taxi was launched by Dufort London Taxis at it’s after sales premises, MOTORTEST UL.PILCHOWICKA 19 M1 02-175 WARSZAWA.

Delighted with the turn out and reaction from guests, Jacek Kurowski, Managing Director of Dufort said: “I have been working for a long time to bring this fantastic vehicle to Poland and people love it just as much as I do.

“I am now able to help taxi companies in Poland offer a real alternative to the cheap cramped saloon taxis or the expensive limousines.”

In order to to bring the iconic taxi to Poland, Jacek worked with The London Taxi Company, the international sales brand for LTI who manufacture the world famous vehicle.

Matthew Cheyne, International Market development Director for The London Taxi Company said: “It was a great evening, enjoyed by all. Everyone I have spoken to are very excited about being able to use a proper London taxi opposed to a saloon car.

“Wawa, the company buying the London Taxi will offer it as a professional premium service for people who want comfort, privacy and a quality service.”

The London Taxi Service will be offered as an alternative to the local taxi but with the service features people expect to experience which include, professional drivers, safety, and security and of course a taxi that holds five people comfortably.

Some of the attendees comments were:

“Cool”, “Warsaw will love this vehicle”, “I can’t wait to use one they are fantastic.”

The next batch of London Taxis is due to arrive next month and will be on the road soon after. People wanting to know more can visit www.londontaxis.co.uk, www.LTI.co.uk or www.dufort.pl.

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Saudi Arabia is the first country to welcome a London Taxi, built in Shanghai, to its streets.

Ordered by LTI Vehicles’ distributor for the Kingdom, Urja Holdings, ten of the purpose-built vehicles will operate as the London Taxi Service from the Four Seasons hotel.

LTI’s international aftersales co-ordinator, Rob Watson, was on hand to officially present the vehicles and train staff to the same professional standard as demonstrated by drivers on the roads of London and the rest of the UK.

“Initial reaction to the London Taxi has been great,” said Matthew Cheyne, International Market Development Director for LTI Vehicles. “It’s made such an impression that Urja Holdings has ordered a further 28 vehicles for operation in Saudi Arabia.

“We’re delighted with how our joint venture with Shanghai LTI is quickly transforming the London Taxi into a global product. Other markets in the Middle East and Europe are looking to launch a service just like the one we’ve established and we are always looking for partners to share in our success.”

To find out more about LTI Vehicles email [email protected] or visit www.lti.co.uk.

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