Vertu business adds LEVC franchise to cover Scotland

The Taxi Centre, part of Vertu Motors, has agreed a new partnership with London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) to sell its electric-powered black cabs.

Glasgow-based The Taxi Centre, which last year celebrated 20 years of serving taxi drivers, is LEVC's new sales partner for  Scotland and North East England.

The Taxi Centre’s Glasgow showroom has undergone refurbishment to create a bespoke sales display for customers, with LEVC TX models available for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire use.

Steve Dunn has been appointed head of business for The Taxi Centre 

Additionally, Graeme Eagleson has been appointed the Field Sales Manager for the new franchise. Graeme will be working across the Taxi Ranks in his market area to help build the LEVC brand within The Taxi Centre’s area of opportunity.

Gregor Mackie, Vertu Ventures divisional operations director who oversees the business, said: “Being appointed as an LEVC franchise is a significant milestone for The Taxi Centre, as we expand our offering to include hackney and black cab drivers, alongside the private hire sector.

“LEVC is at the cutting edge of practical electric vehicle technology, offering more than 300 miles of range with its innovative range-extender technology. This eliminates range anxiety for drivers.”

Vertu aims to attract taxi drivers who are increasingly looking for low-emission, electric vehicles to reduce their day-to-day running costs, and who can still get Plug-in Taxi Grants (PiTG) until at least the financial year 2023/24 of up to £7,500-worth of support for electrified taxis.

In addition, Scotland’s taxi drivers can benefit from 0% loans through the Energy Savings Trust, further reducing the cost of ownership.

Richard Hudson, commercial director at LEVC, said the addition of The Taxi Centre significantly expands LEVC’s presence in the north of the UK.

“The Taxi Centre is a well-established and recognised leader within the private hire industry and this new partnership will enable LEVC and The Taxi Centre to make significant in-roads into the region’s hackney cab market.

“Together, LEVC and The Taxi Centre can support a reduction in city-centre emissions, helping to improve overall air quality in busy urban environments," said Hudson.