Manganese Bronze Holdings PLC: Agreement signed to produce zero emission London black taxi

COVENTRY, United Kingdom - Manganese Bronze, the leading manufacturer of the London black taxi, is pleased to announce that it has signed a development agreement with The Tanfield Group Plc, the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial electric vehicles, to develop a battery powered, zero emission urban taxi.

The all-electric version of Manganese Bronze’s TX4 black cab - to be branded the TX4E – will have a top speed of 50mph and a range in excess of 100 miles on one battery charge. It is specifically designed for taxi operations in congested urban areas.

The TX4E will contain all the conventional features of the TX4, but will be powered by Tanfield’s advanced electric drive train and Iron Phosphate lithium-ion battery pack. Based on current electricity prices, it is estimated the TX4E will cost less than 4p per mile to run, therefore providing significant whole life cost savings over an equivalent diesel vehicle. The initial cost of the TX4E is however likely to be higher than the diesel powered TX4. The target date for the launch of the TX4E is mid 2009 following engineering assessment and customer testing.

The TX4E will be manufactured in the UK for the urban taxi market and sold through the Company’s distribution networks.

John Russell, Chief Executive Officer of Manganese Bronze, said: “We are very pleased to have signed this agreement to produce a zero emission London black taxi. Manganese Bronze is committed to playing a leading role in tackling emissions and the TX4E is an exciting new development that gives us first mover advantage in an expanding global marketplace.”

Commenting, Darren Kell, Chief Executive of The Tanfield Group Plc, said: “This partnership will create a unique and highly marketable zero emissions vehicle.

“By integrating our cutting edge battery and drive train technology into the class-leading TX4, we can offer a truly global product that answers many of the issues raised by urban private passenger transport – rising fuel costs, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”