Iconic black cab maker saved

Unite, Britain's biggest union, has welcomed the news that Chinese manufacturer Zhejiang Geely Holding Group is to acquire London Taxi Company (LTI), the maker of the black cab.

Unite represents the LTI workers at Coventry and  also represent over 1000 London cab drivers. The union led a major campaign to save the black cab. London cabbies and the workers from Coventry led a campaign to keep production in Coventry and the black cab on the road.

Unite regional officer, Peter Coulson said:

"Geely's decision to buy the London Taxi Company and to keep production in Coventry is a testament to the skills of the workforce that build the iconic black cab.

"Black cabs have been built in Coventry since the 1948. Without the Coventry base the vehicle would have lost its unique character. Unite have been in constructive talks with Geely and we look forward to a strong working relationship in the future."

Unite assistant general secretary, Tony Burke said:

"This is a great news for British manufacturing. There were genuine fears that the future of the  black cab was under threat.

"It's encouraging that Geely have already begun talking constructively with Unite about the future. The black cab is part of Britain's manufacturing heritage.  The workers from Coventry and London cabbies led a fantastic campaign to keep the black cab on the road. Their determination to campaign for a future made a major contribution to this positive result."