BIZCHINA> New Models
|
BIZCHINA> New Models
|
|
Geely unveils 'London black cabs' for local market
(AP)
Updated: 2007-04-23 13:12 It's not exactly the newest car model on display at Shanghai's gigantic auto show. But the made-in-China "London taxi" definitely reflects the latest realities of an increasingly global auto industry.
The alliance of odd bedfellows is a godsend for Manganese Bronze as it seeks to expand outside Britain, and it may well bring Geely the technology and quality upgrade it needs to compete both at home and overseas. "We've been looking for partners in China for many years," John K. Russell, chief executive officer for Manganese Bronze, said in an interview on the sidelines of the weeklong auto show, which formally opens Sunday. "A lot of the markets we could sell into internationally would like the product, but they are too expensive," Russell said. With Geely, the company will be making 20,000 London cabs a year in China while continuing its current output of 3,000 a year in Britain. "So we have the opportunity to grow the business way beyond its current size," Russell said. Plans call for the venture to also make a limousine based on the black cab, which debuted in 1948, as well as two passenger cars. Details of those models have not yet been announced. It remains to be seen if China's taxi fleets _ whose bare-bones sedans often have doors that don't close properly and drivers stunningly unfamiliar with their city streets _ will opt for the cost and luxury of the London cabs. (For more biz stories, please visit Industries)
|
