Geely, the Chinese automaker that co-owns the company that produces black London taxis, has met UK government officials about bringing electric-powered cabs to the UK capital.

"One of our ideas is to convert London taxis into electric," Li Shufu, the company's chairman, told the Financial Times. "We are doing research on this project."

Geely owns about 23 per cent of Manganese Bronze, the Coventry-based producer of black London cabs, and 51 per cent of a Shanghai-based joint venture with the UK company that will produce the cars in China starting this December.

Mr Li said that he had discussed the idea of electric taxis in London with Boris Johnson, the city's mayor, at the Beijing Olympic games in August. Mr Johnson supports the idea.

Manganese Bronze this year signed a research and development agreement with Tanfield Electric Vehicles to develop all-electric plug-in taxis. Manganese Bronze's share price has slumped in recent weeks after hundreds of its TX4 cabs were taken off the streets following a series of engine fires.

Geely, like China's other rising automakers, is developing its own plug-in hybrid and electric cars, including an electric version of its Panda city car that it may seek to sell in Europe. Mr Li said developing electric vehicle technology would be a major strategic focus for the company in future.

Geely's plan to build London taxis in Shanghai is one of a string of investments by Chinese companies seeking to apply low-cost production to iconic overseas assets.

Rival carmaker SAIC recently relaunched production of MG TF sports cars in Longbridge and makes the Roewe brand of cars in China largely based on tools and designs formerly owned by bankrupt MG Rover.

LTI Shanghai Automobile, the JV, plans to sell the Shanghai-built cabs to taxi operators, hotels, and other buyers in China and overseas, with a view eventually to building 10,000 vehicles a year.

The Chinese operation will also supply parts produced at a lower cost to LTI's flagship operation in the UK.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/79089ff4-9e3f-11dd-bdde-000077b07658.html

As a licensed taxi driver in the Capital you must have a detailed knowledge of roads and places of interest in London - known as the Knowledge.

How long it takes to become a licensed taxi driver depends on whether you want to be an All London driver or a Suburban driver.

London or the suburbs?

All London drivers, also known as Green Badge drivers, need a detailed knowledge of London within a six mile radius of Charing Cross.

Initially there are 320 routes or runs to learn, along with all the places of interest and important landmarks on and around these runs.

It takes between two to four years to learn and pass the All London Knowledge. Once you are licensed you can work anywhere in the Greater London area.

Suburban

Suburban drivers, or Yellow Badge drivers, need to choose from one of the nine suburban sectors and know between 30 and 51 runs in detail, depending on their chosen sector, and all places of interest and important landmarks on those runs.

It takes around two years to become a licensed Suburban taxi driver. Once qualified you can only work in the sector you are licensed for.

You can find out more about the two types of licence available on the Licence types page. 

Knowledge makes your brain grow

The brain will grow as you learn and put into practice the Knowledge, says research by the Wellcome Department of Imaging Neuroscience.

On scanning the brains of 16 London taxi drivers, who had spent an average of two years learning the Knowledge, they found they had a larger right hippocampus than control subjects.

Find out more on the study on the Wellcome Trust website.

See also: http://www.londontaxiknowledge.co.uk

Twelve determined climbers recently took on the tough Three Peaks Challenge for the Paul O’Gorman Leukemia Research centre and Cab Direct was there to lend a helping hand.
The National Three Peaks Challenge is steadily becoming a well-known phrase amongst the more adventurous.  It involves climbing the 3 highest mountains in the UK within 24 hours.  The steep peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon total a staggering 11,180 vertical feet and climbers are against the clock!
Matt Sinclair, the team leader of the group was diagnosed with the rare form of cancer, Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia in 2005 and wanted to complete the challenge for the University of Glasgow Trust for the Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre.
The £3 million centre, based at Glasgow University campus, was opened in May this year and provides advanced facilities and equipment for clinicians and researchers to translate laboratory findings into new treatments for leukaemia patients.
The group had planned their trip for the 21st of June this year but were having problems sourcing suitable transport for the event.  Allied Vehicles, Cab Direct’s parent company,  saved the day and not only provided one of their accessible minibuses printed with impressive graphics, but also an enthusiastic driver, Sales Director Peter Facenna.
The group left for the Scottish Highlands on the 21st of June as planned and began their climb of Ben Nevis at 4pm before making their journey to England, commencing their climb of Scafell at 3am.  Braving the treacherous rain and gale force winds of 65mph the group just managed to reach Wales and take on Snowdon with the last man finishing with just minutes to spare!
The team returned home blistered and bruised but thankfully no serious injuries were sustained during the trip.  The target for the challenge was to raise £6000 for the Paul O’Gorman Centre but the target was smashed with a total of £15,750 being raised between the group.

Commenting on the challenge Matt Sinclair said: “I’m very glad that we took on this tough challenge and made it.  My legs certainly felt pain for the following week but because of this challenge, £15,750 will now go to the new Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Facility in Scotland, where people with Leukaemia all over the world will benefit.  I would like to thank Peter and Cab Direct as without them we couldn’t have done it.”
Cab Direct were delighted that they could help out the group.  Sales Director Peter Facenna commented: “Driving the climbers around for long hours was tough and the weather certainly took its toll on all of us but myself and Cab Direct were delighted to support Matt and the team for such a worthy cause. Well done to all who took part!”
Cab Direct supplied the jumbo Ford Transit minibus with tailgate for the challenge which is just one of many vehicles available from their extensive accessible range.

To find out more on Cab Direct’s minibus range freephone 0800 916 3058, email info@cabdirect.com or visit www.cabdirect.com