TX4

Last updated

TX4
16-11-16-Glasgow street scene-RR2 7280 (cropped).jpg
Overview
Manufacturer
Also calledEnglon TX4 (China)
Asia Cab TX4/CABB (ASEAN)
Production2007–2017
2009–2019 (China)
2019–present (Thailand)
Assembly Coventry, United Kingdom (Ansty Park plant)
Shanghai, China (Geely)
Bangkok, Thailand (Asia Cab [1] )
Body and chassis
Body style Four-door saloon car [2]
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine 2.4 L 4G69 I4 (petrol) (China)
2.5 L VM Motori R 425 I4 (turbo diesel)
Electric motor Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Transmission 5-speed Eaton FSO 2405 A manual
5-speed Chrysler 545RFE automatic
6 speed tiptronic automatic (China)
Single-speed Automatic (EV)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,886 millimetres (113.6 in)
Length4,580 millimetres (180 in)
4,566 millimetres (179.8 in) (Englon TX4)
Width2,036 millimetres (80.2 in) (incl. mirrors)
1,783 millimetres (70.2 in) (Englon TX4)
Height1,834 millimetres (72.2 in)
1,823 millimetres (71.8 in) (Englon TX4)
Curb weight 1,975 kg (4,354 lb) [3] [4]
1,880–1,940 kg (4,145–4,277 lb) (Englon TX4)
Chronology
Predecessor TXII
Successor LEVC TX (UK and China)

The TX4 is a purpose-built taxicab (hackney carriage) manufactured by The London Taxi Company, a subsidiary of Geely Automobile of China. [5] From 2007 until their liquidation in 2013 it was manufactured by LTI. It is the latest in a long line of purpose-built taxis produced by The London Taxi Company and various predecessor entities. The design has evolved via several mutations from the Austin FX3 of the 1950s. TX4's immediate predecessor is the TXII.

Contents

Design

TX4 SMRT taxicab in Singapore SHB786K - London Cab TX4 in Singapore, SMRT owned rear view.jpg
TX4 SMRT taxicab in Singapore

The TX4 features a new front radiator grille, an updated interior design, updated front and rear bumpers, and a different rear vehicle registration number plate surround compared to the TXII. There are now internal headrests as a result of EU safety regulations. On the earlier models there were two headrests fitted to the central partition for the rear-facing tip-up seats, but on the later models these were removed as drivers complained and found them awkward for vision reasons.

The only engine offered in the UK is a 2.5-litre VM Motori R 425 DOHC diesel engine (rated at a peak 75 kW (101 hp; 102 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft; 24 kg⋅m) of torque at 1,800 rpm) mated to a Chrysler 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission. An Eaton FSO 2405 A five-speed manual transmission is also available. [4] [6]

In markets outside the UK the TX4 is also available with a 2.4 Mitsubishi 4G69 four-cylinder petrol engine, rated at 112 kW (150 hp; 152 PS) at 5,500 rpm and 212 N⋅m (156 lb⋅ft; 22 kg⋅m) at 4,000 rpm. The only gearbox available with this engine is a Mitsubishi-built five-speed manual. [3]

As was the case with its predecessors the TX4 is built on a fully boxed hydroformed ladder frame with a separate body.

The front suspension, as with its predecessors, is of the double wishbone type with coil springs and an anti-roll bar while the rear suspension uses a solid axle with coil springs and a Panhard rod. [4]

Anecdotally the reason for there being no TX3 and the marque number going straight to 4 is because the engine was Euro 4 compliant, and also for the vehicle to have a connection with the famous Austin FX4. [7] The diesel engine was then later updated to be Euro 5 compliant. Currently the latest version of the TX4 is now euro 6 compliant and fitted with 2.8 litre VM Motori engine. This was the last version of the TX shape until the new shaped ZEC (zero emission capable) electric LEVC TX entered production from 2017.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell London Taxis

London’s new fleet of five hydrogen fuel cell powered taxis provided by the HyTEC (Hydrogen Transport for European Cities) project have now driven 2,500 miles (4,000 km) in total, fuelled by the capital’s second hydrogen fuelling station at Heathrow airport.

The first phase of the HyTEC project saw the pioneering fleet of fuel cell electric London Taxis, which were developed by the UK power technology company Intelligent Energy and The London Taxi Company, transport 40 visiting dignitaries and the VIP guests of the Greater London Authority during the Olympic and Paralympic period. High-profile individuals included Arnold Schwarzenegger and Barbara Windsor, with some VIPs undertaking more than one journey in the fuel cell electric taxis. Members of the GLA including Mayor Boris Johnson and Deputy Mayors Kit Malthouse, Munira Mirza and Sir Edward Lister also had the opportunity to ride in the cabs. [8]

The current prototype (made with the help of Lotus Engineering) has a range of 250 miles (400 km) and top speed of over 80 miles per hour (130 km/h) (it recently achieved 95 miles per hour (153 km/h) at the Millbrook test track). The hydrogen tank can supposedly be refilled in five minutes. Currently £5.5 million has been used to fund the project from the Technology Strategy Board. [9]

Chinese market

Englon SC7-RV Englon SC7-RV.jpg
Englon SC7-RV
Englon TX4 (built by Geely) Englon TX4.jpg
Englon TX4 (built by Geely)

In January 2007, an Extraordinary General Meeting of the LTI's shareholders approved a joint venture with Geely Automobile—called Shanghai LTI (SLTI)—to manufacture the TX4 in China. Production started in July 2008. In August 2010 Geely disclosed that Shanghai LTI began supplying SKD (semi-knocked-down) TX4 to the UK. [10] Geely sells the TX4 cab under their "Englon" brand (phonetically similar to "England"), but have also developed a new version called the TXN. [11] The TXN, planned to go on sale in the future, has a more bulbous shape meant to be more youthful. A concept version called the Englon SC7-RV has also been shown in 2011; this is intended to be used as a private family saloon. [11]

TX4 Worldwide

SMRT Taxi London taxi TX4 Hackney carriage SHB786K - London Cab TX4 in Singapore, SMRT owned front view.jpg
SMRT Taxi London taxi TX4 Hackney carriage
London Taxi TX4 operating as 13LCAB (Black and White Cabs) London Taxi TX4 operating as 13LCABS.jpg
London Taxi TX4 operating as 13LCAB (Black and White Cabs)

The TX4 taxi can be seen in service in Belfast, Prishtina, Bahrain, Baku, Berlin, Cairo, Charleston (South Carolina), Hangzhou, Hudson (Massachusetts), Johannesburg, Las Vegas, Nanjing, Ottawa, Perth (Australia), Sydney (Australia), Melbourne (Rydo 131001 Australia ), Riyadh, Singapore, Bangkok (Thailand) and Zhuhai [12]

Recalls, engine failures, faults and problems

Fire issues

In September 2008, approximately fifteen engine fires in a period of three months forced a partial recall of the TX4. A limited number of vehicles were affected and the Public Carriage Office—now renamed LTPH (London Taxis and Private Hire)—required all models with a '56' registration plate to undergo safety checks otherwise drivers would lose their carriage licence. [13]

The news of the fires hit the headlines after Big George, a presenter on BBC London 94.9, received photos of a taxi that burst into flames outside Stringfellows on Upper St. Martin's Lane on 12 September 2008.

Steering boxes

Manganese Bronze, the now troubled maker of London taxis was thrown into further turmoil after it announced plans to recall 400 black cabs and suspend sales, following discovery of a steering fault. Manganese reported the discovery of a defect with new steering boxes in its TX4 models, which had been introduced in February 2012 to vehicles produced at its Coventry factory. It warned that the recall and sales suspension would have a "material and detrimental" impact on its cashflow and said it was looking at options for the firm. The news came as the latest blow to the company, which had been hit by mounting losses and an accounting blunder that left it with a £4 million hole in its accounts. Manganese, which suspended trading of its shares earlier in the day, said it was working with Chinese partner Geely (already a 20% shareholder in the business) to fix the steering fault. But they said: "Until such time that a technical solution is developed to rectify the fault, the financial position of the group remains unclear and trading in the company's shares will remain suspended." The company had not reported any profits since 2008.

Administration and a new owner for the business

On 30 October 2012 Manganese Bronze Holdings went into administration, [14] and on 31 October 2012 PricewaterhouseCoopers, the administrators, shed 156 jobs at the Coventry head office and production line, and other jobs at various dealer outlets around the country including London. Production at the Coventry site resumed in September 2013, [15] ownership of the assets formerly owned by Manganese Bronze Holdings having now passed to a new company, The London Taxi Corporation, a subsidiary of Geely of China. [16]

Private users

In April 2009, Stephen Fry (who habitually drives a black cab) announced that he had acquired a TX4 for personal use. [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hydrogen vehicle</span> Vehicle that uses hydrogen fuel for motive power

A hydrogen vehicle is a vehicle that uses hydrogen to move. Hydrogen vehicles include some road vehicles, rail vehicles, space rockets, forklifts, ships and aircraft. Motive power is generated by converting the chemical energy of hydrogen to mechanical energy, either by reacting hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell to power electric motors or, less commonly, by hydrogen internal combustion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hackney carriage</span> Car for hire

A hackney or hackney carriage is a carriage or car for hire. A hackney of a more expensive or high class was called a remise. A symbol of London and Britain, the black taxi is a common sight on the streets of London. The hackney carriages carry a roof sign TAXI that can be illuminated to indicate their availability for passengers.

Manganese Bronze Holdings plc (MBH) was the holding company of LTI Limited. The firm's sole business in its final years as a company was London black taxicab manufacturing through the LTI subsidiary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geely</span> Chinese automotive conglomerate

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. (ZGH), commonly known as Geely Holding, is a Chinese multinational conglomerate headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. The company is privately owned by Chinese entrepreneur Li Shufu, and mainly engaged in the automotive industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Austin FX4</span> Motor vehicle model used as a London taxi

The Austin FX4 is a hackney carriage that was produced from 1958 until 1997. It was sold by Austin from 1958 until 1982, when Carbodies, who had been producing the FX4 for Austin, took over the intellectual rights to the car. Carbodies only produced the FX4 for two years, until 1984, when London Taxis International took over rights and continued producing it until 1997. In all, more than 75,000 FX4s were built.

Carbodies was a taxi design and manufacturing company based in Coventry, England. In its latter years it also traded as London Taxis International and The London Taxi Company.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TX1</span> Motor vehicle

The LTI TX1 is a Hackney carriage introduced by London Taxis International in 1997 and designed to replace the ageing Austin FX4. It was designed by British product designer Kenneth Grange.

Hydrogen technologies are technologies that relate to the production and use of hydrogen as a part hydrogen economy. Hydrogen technologies are applicable for many uses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TXII</span> Motor vehicle

The LTI TXII is a hackney carriage manufactured by LTI. It is the second model following the modernisation and redesign of the London taxi that began with the TX1.

Geely Automobile Holdings Limited, also commonly known as Geely Auto is a publicly traded automotive company predominantly owned by the Zhejiang Geely Holding (ZGH) group. It owns the eponymous Geely Auto brand and partly owns Lynk & Co, Proton Cars and Zeekr brands. The company is incorporated in the Cayman Islands and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fengjing</span> Town in Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China

Fengjing is a town in Jinshan District, Shanghai. An ancient water town, it also has a new town with a Canadian theme and an industrial zone. It is a centre for Jinshan peasant painting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emgrand</span>

Emgrand was an automobile marque owned by the Chinese automotive manufacturer Geely. It was launched in August 2009 and discontinued in 2014 after its products were rebranded as Geely. Emgrand ceased to be a separate brand and was demoted to being a model name under the Geely brand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LEVC TX</span> Motor vehicle

The LEVC TX is a purpose-built hackney carriage manufactured by the British commercial vehicle maker London EV Company (LEVC), a subsidiary of the Chinese carmaker Geely. It is the latest in a succession of purpose-built hackney carriages produced by LEVC and various predecessor entities. The LEVC TX is a plug-in hybrid range-extender electric vehicle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hyundai Xcient</span> Motor vehicle

The Hyundai Xcient is a South Korean truck made by Hyundai Motor Company. It was presented at the Seoul Motor Show 2013 as the successor of Hyundai Trago.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toyota JPN Taxi</span> Motor vehicle

The Toyota JPN Taxi, sometimes known as the Toyota Japan Taxi, is a hybrid electric taxicab built to universal design specifications mandated by the Japanese government. Exhibited as the JPN Taxi Concept at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show in 2013, it has been produced by Toyota since 2017, mainly for the Japanese and Hong Kong markets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">London EV Company</span> English car manufacturing company

London EV Company Limited (LEVC), formerly The London Taxi Corporation Limited, is a British automotive manufacturer with its headquarters at Ansty Park near Coventry, England. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinese automaker Geely. The company produces London’s famous black taxicabs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ecotive Metrocab</span> Motor vehicle

The Ecotive Metrocab, first presented in December 2013, is a purpose-built electrically powered hackney carriage manufactured by Ecotive, a subsidiary of Kamkorp. The vehicle is designed to comply with Transport for London’s taxi regulations, which, from 1 January 2018, ban new diesel-powered taxis and require zero-emissions capability.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geely Haoyue Pro</span> Motor vehicle

The Geely Haoyue Pro is a compact crossover produced by Chinese auto maker Geely Auto. Originally launched as the Gleagle GX7 under the Gleagle brand and then as the Shanghai Englon SX7 under the Shanghai Englon brand of Geely, the crossover was relaunched as the Geely GX7 after the Gleagle brand was discontinued.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geely Yuanjing</span> Motor vehicle

The Geely Yuanjing sedan is a four-door compact sedan produced by the Chinese automaker Geely Auto under the Yuanjing or Vision product series. It is the first commercial car produced by Geely Automobiles. The car was first introduced in 2006. It carries the first CVVT engine designed and made in China. The car was named Geely Tiger, Biaowang and Luhu, but it later renamed "Vision".

References

  1. "Geely Commercial Vehicles Enter Southeast Asia". 6 November 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  2. "LTI TX4 Saloon 2006 specs & dimensions". Parker's Car Guides . Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  3. 1 2 "TX4 Options & Specifications" (PDF). LTI Ltd. September 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 July 2013. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  4. 1 2 3 "The London Taxi: TX4 Euro 5" (PDF). LTI Ltd. February 2012. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
  5. "China's Geely saves London cab maker Manganese Bronze". The Telegraph. 1 February 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  6. Joseph, Noah (19 October 2006). "Where to, gov'na? New TX4 London cabs introduced in Europe". AOL Inc. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
  7. Good news travels fast! TX4, from TBF News, Spring 2007, Issue 07, page 13
  8. "HYTEC » Hydrogen fuel cell electric taxis drive Olympic VIPs 2,500 miles". hy-tec.eu.
  9. Sam Abuelsamid (7 June 2010). "Prepping for 2012 Summer Olympics, fuel cell-powered London taxi prototype unveiled". Autoblog.
  10. "Shanghai LTI Starts Supplying SKD TX4 to the UK". ChinaAutoWeb.com.
  11. 1 2 "Geely Englon SC7-RV Concept, TX4 Made Youthful: Auto Shanghai in Pictures". ChinaAutoWeb.com. 25 April 2011.
  12. "London cabs headed for Ottawa". trucknews.com. Business Information Group. 17 December 2002. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  13. "Fires force black cabs off roads". BBC News Online. 17 September 2008.
  14. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 6 February 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. Production Restart 11 September 2013: OFFICIAL VIDEO. YouTube. 24 September 2013. Archived from the original on 14 December 2021.
  16. "Coventry taxi maker LTI sold to Chinese firm Geely for £11.4m". BBC News. 1 February 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  17. Fry, Stephen (20 April 2009). "Picked myself out a very fine black TX4..." Twitter.