London taxis, also known as black cabs, are an iconic symbol of the city’s transportation system. These vehicles have been a part of London’s streets since the early 20th century and continue to be a popular mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike.
But have you ever wondered which company makes these famous taxis? Let’s dive into the history and current state of London taxi manufacturing.
The Early Days
The first black cabs hit London’s streets in the late 1800s, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that manufacturing companies began to emerge. The largest of these companies was called The London Taxi Company (LTC), which was founded in 1919.
LTC
For nearly a century, LTC dominated the London taxi market. The company produced several different models over the years, including the iconic TX series which became a common sight on London’s roads. However, despite its popularity, the company faced financial struggles and went through several ownership changes throughout its history.
Fun Fact: In 2012, LTC filed for bankruptcy and was purchased by Chinese automaker Geely. The company was later rebranded as LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company).
Fairway & Metrocab
While LTC may have been the dominant manufacturer, there were other companies producing black cabs as well. One such company was Fairway, which produced its own line of taxis from the mid-1980s until 1997.
Another notable manufacturer was Metrocab, which produced electric taxis for several years before going bankrupt in 2006. However, in recent years Metrocab has been revived under new ownership and now produces hybrid-electric cabs.
The Present Day
Today, LEVC remains the primary manufacturer of London taxis. The latest version of their iconic black cab, the TXE, is fully electric and has been praised for its eco-friendly design. LEVC has also expanded its reach beyond London, exporting its taxis to other cities around the world.
Other Manufacturers
While LEVC dominates the market, there are a few other manufacturers producing black cabs as well. These include The London Taxi Corporation Limited (not to be confused with LTC), which produces a range of diesel and electric taxis, and Frazer-Nash Research, which produces hybrid-electric taxis.
- LEVC – maker of the TXE
- The London Taxi Corporation Limited – maker of diesel and electric taxis
- Frazer-Nash Research – maker of hybrid-electric taxis
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there have been several manufacturers of London taxis over the years, The London Taxi Company (now LEVC) has remained the dominant force in the market. With its latest fully electric model, LEVC continues to innovate and lead the way in eco-friendly transportation.