The upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games has attracted people's attention all around the world. Strolling along the streets in London, many people may have noticed those classic black taxi-cabs. Hailed as the safest taxis with the very attributes, they have become a city sight and a symbol of London culture since the taxi company adopts a strict management system and offers gentle service to passengers.

Actually, the famed London black cabs have been in service in Hangzhou since September 28, 2011. Fifty Englon TX4s are the first fully accessible taxis in Hangzhou and have become a floating view in the city.

Shanghai Englon's British Birth

"I once took the taxi in Britain. It was easily accessible, very spacious and convenient. I think it was really designed for the convenience of residents. Introducing the cab with such excellent accessibility shows that Hangzhou is moving toward an international city," said Lv Shiming, the Vice-Chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, adding that the Englon TX4 has become an icon of cultural cities.

Shanghai Englon TX4 is not simply a brand transfer. Geely has acquired the entire intellectual property of the brand and the entire equipment, the assembly line and supporting facilities for the vehicle.

At present, more than 3,000 Englon taxis are produced and sold annually in the domestic market and to over 30 other countries and regions, including Europe and the Middle East. The fully accessible taxi was launched in Beijing and Guangzhou during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games and Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games and now has been in business in the cities. Apart from running on streets for private passengers, the taxi mainly offers scheduled service mostly to hotels and companies of all kinds.

A Gentle Cab Accessible to All

The Englon TX4 has inherited the gentle attribute of the London taxi and its design is made more accessible. The spacious compartment can accommodate 5 passengers and a wheelchair can be set between the front seats and rear seats. The seats behind the driver seat are foldable so as to ensure the cab can take at least 3 passengers even if large luggage is not put in the trunk.

The Englon TX4 provides facilities for easy access to the benefit of passengers with limited mobility. For example, unlike the so-called fully accessible taxis in Hangzhou before, the rear door of TX4 can be opened to 90°, and a 20°-fold-down ramp is designed to aid access and departure of wheelchair users who can get in or off more easily without leaving the wheelchair. The rear seats are equipped with a retention system, including a lock catch, yellow handrails and adjustable seat belts, providing stability and safety to passengers during the journey.

Today, the Chinese auto market is badly in need of iconic products with brand recognition and classic culture when auto culture begins to develop in China. That's why Geely Holding Group decided to introduce TX4, a classic model under the brand of Englon. In November 2006, Geely and Manganese Bronze Holdings PLC, the manufacturer of the iconic London black cab, established a joint venture company in Shanghai to produce the Englon TX4 and sell it globally.