The Taxi Centre Marks One Year of LEVC Success in Scotland
Field Sales Managers James Welsh and Jordan Walker with Branch Manager Stephen Porter.
A year on since becoming Scotland’s leading retailer of London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) vehicles, The Taxi Centre is set to expand with a new aftersales service and a new Edinburgh-based sales representative.
Over the past year, The Taxi Centre's association with LEVC has played a pivotal role in revolutionising the landscape for taxi drivers in Scotland, in particular Glasgow and Edinburgh where the local authorities have introduced Low Emissions Zones.
In a move that addresses the growing demand in Glasgow and the capital city, The Taxi Centre has appointed 2 dedicated Sales representatives, Jordan Walker and James Welsh who facilitate test drives and order take and also run roadshow events throughout the year to allow customers to come and see the product in a central location to them over a coffee and friendly chat.
The Taxi Centre now has a full operational after-sales facility right in the middle of Glasgow City centre to further support the brands growth strategy and their customer base to ensure drivers of the LEVC product have minimal downtime and a local servicing option including any warranty work.
The Taxi Centre expects further investment will be made to increase the company’s sales and servicing colleagues, as drivers in Scotland recognise the need to move to electric and hybrid vehicles. This comes as more councils push forward plans to limit pollution, working towards achieving the country’s net zero ambitions.
LEVC customers continue to benefit from the Plug-in Taxi Grant (PiTG) Government Scheme, applicable across the UK, as well as the Energy Savings Trust Switched on Taxis loan, exclusive to Scotland.
LEVC’s TX model, an evolution of London’s iconic black cab, is becoming ever popular amongst drivers, thanks to its electrically-driven drivetrain and ability to charge using every connection currently available in the UK. The TX allows drivers to switch between using fuel or stored energy, meaning they don’t experience the same range anxiety associated with some other electrically powered models.
Gregor Mackie, Divisional Operations Director of Vertu Ventures within the Vertu Motors group, of which the Taxi Centre is part of, said: "Our partnership with LEVC has been a journey of learning and growth. The LEVC TX has been a game-changer for taxi drivers in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Drivers who have made the switch consistently describe it as a transformative experience that has made their work more enjoyable.
“We’re certainly geared up for a bright future of continued expansion and sustainability, while providing taxi drivers with the innovative solutions they need to thrive in this evolving landscape.
“We’ve been supporting drivers with a specialist taxi and hackney cab offering for more than 20 years, and now we’re at the forefront of the next generation of vehicles, with the LEVC TX being a particular favourite. It has all the styling of a classic cab but with the modern technology that is not only greener than other vehicles, but also makes a journey comfortable for passengers and drivers.
"The LEZs have presented unique challenges for our hackney drivers, with many being affected due to the absence of age limits on their vehicles. Thankfully there are schemes in place to support drivers to make the switch and we’re able to support them through the process.”
Daniel Cross, UK Operations Director of LEVC, said: “LEVC are delighted to have The Taxi Centre as our partner in Scotland and we look forward to continuing the relationship and growth of the iconic TX across the region.
“Scotland has always been one of our key priorities given it has historically been the largest market outside London, and I am confident with The Taxi Centre as our partner we can continue to grow this relationship between ourselves and the taxi trade.
“With the continued support of the Energy Savings Trust and the Plug-In Taxi grant, combined with the lower running costs of the new TX, the Taxi Trade across the whole of Scotland can take advantage of the most beneficial packages available in the UK.
“For LEVC, it is critical that we can support our customers in both sales and aftersales and The Taxi Centre have the capacity and resources to do just that. We look forward to continued success for the taxi trade in Scotland and working in partnership with The Taxi Centre and everyone connected with the trade.”