The all-new Metrocab, made by Frazer-Nash Research Ltd and Ecotive Ltd will enter volume production next year in Coventry. The plug-in hybrid taxi will be manufactured by Multimatic.
Multimatic is a Canadian company with worldwide facilities, responsible for the manufacture of components and systems to the automotive industry. The company produces complete vehicles from body to chassis and has built some highly recognisable cars including the Aston Martin One-77, Zagato and GT12 along with the Ford GT and Lagonda Taraf.
Due to the inclusion of Metrocab to its order books, Multimatic will expand their manufacturing facility in Coventry to cope with production demand.
Metrocab chairman, Sir Charles Masefield, said:
“This announcement marks another important step in bringing the all-new electric powered Metrocab to volume production. Our prototype fleet is already operating very successfully in London, proving that our Range Extended Electric taxis are the solution to delivering on the City’s Ultra Low Emission Zones promises from 2018. Next year we will enter volume production with the hugely respected and experienced Multimatic. We are delighted to be working with such an established partner to fulfil our ambitions following our significant investment in developing this product and to bring further skilled jobs to the UK.”
Multimatic Vice President, Larry Holt added:
“We have been following closely the development of zero-emissions capable taxis in the UK, and have worked with Metrocab for a number of years to bring their prototype fleet to the market. We are all delighted with the performance and operational results of this first fleet, and it is very satisfying to now commit to enter series production of the all-new Metrocab. The taxi has clearly been designed and engineered from the ground up with the global market in mind, and Multimatic has the facilities and capabilities to make this a truly international product – a prospect which really excites us.”
Comcab are currently trialling a small fleet of new Metrocabs, which is the first zero-emission capable taxi to be licensed as Hackney Carriages by Transport for London.
Source; Metrocab
