Azernews.Az

Financial problems of Manganese Bronze, maker of London's traditional cabs, which are currently used in Azerbaijan, will not affect the future supply of these vehicles to the country, Ilgar Gasimov, head of Baku Taxi, the private firm running the taxis, told Trend news agency.

Manganese Bronze Holding said it was unable to agree on acceptable terms of funding and it goes under external management.

Gasimov noted that there are internal processes in the holding, and even if there are changes in the shareholders, even in the case of the controlling shareholder change, it should in no way affect the supply of London Taxi TX4 cars to Azerbaijan.

"In any case, there will not be suspension in production of those vehicles due to the fact that they are in demand in the UK. And in the case of changes in the structure of the holding or a change in leadership, Baku Taxi Company can easily sign a new contract."

The Baku Taxi Company had been set up to develop a program originally announced by the Transport Ministry of Azerbaijan to introduce London cabs into Azerbaijan's capital city, Baku.

Agreement worth about $27 million to supply 1,000 TX4 London cabs is signed with Shanghai LTI. -- Manganese Bronze's joint venture partner with Chinese car manufacturer Geely Automobile Holdings -- to private Azerbaijani firm, the Baku Taxi Company, in 2011.