The world famous purpose-built London taxi was unveiled to the Chinese public for the first time at the country’s largest motor show this month.

Manganese Bronze Holdings, the parent company of LTI Vehicles, manufacturer of the famous London taxi, has recently signed a deal with Chinese firm Geely for the vehicles to be produced at a new Shanghai factory for the Chinese market.

So the company used the city’s motor show to showcase the taxis to the public for the first time.

The new TX4 taxis, including a gold-coloured, gold-specification model, were unveiled by Mr. Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely, and John Russell, Chief Executive of Manganese Bronze Holdings on Saturday 21 April  and will be on display until 28 April.

“We obviously already have very strong ties with China and are looking forward to getting to know the people there even better,” said John Russell.  “We are delighted to have a presence at the Shanghai Show and to further develop our relationship with both Geely and the Chinese market as a whole.”

Production at the new Shanghai plant is due to start in 2008.