LPG taxi conversion firm heads into administration leaving taxi drivers ‘high and dry’

LPG conversion company, Vehicle Repowering Solutions Ltd (VRS), has gone into administration leaving London cabbies ‘high and dry’, say taxi representatives.

London cabbies and taxi drivers across the UK have been left stranded following the sudden collapse of Vehicle Repowering Solutions Ltd (VRS), one of the leading LPG conversion companies in the industry.

The firm’s closure has thrown the future of many drivers into uncertainty, with issues related to warranties, refunds, and ongoing conversions unresolved.

VRS, known for retrofitting taxis to run on LPG, has gone into administration due to a combination of supply chain disruptions, escalating costs, and dwindling support from local authorities. The company’s financial woes, exacerbated by cash flow problems, have left drivers who invested in LPG conversions facing an uncertain future.

The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) revealed that the closure follows a recent incident where four VRS-converted cabs were removed from service in London. Transport for London (TfL) revoked their licences after discovering that the vehicles had been fitted with unapproved third-generation systems, misrepresented as TfL-approved second-generation systems. These drivers, who were seeking compensation from VRS, may now have no recourse following the firm’s collapse.

The situation is equally bleak for taxi drivers in Scotland. Many were in the process of converting their vehicles to LPG to comply with local emission standards. With VRS now defunct, these drivers are left without a viable path forward. The Energy Saving Trust has advised affected drivers to explore alternative retrofit options, such as exhaust abatement systems, but time is running out. Those wishing to proceed must secure quotes by 25 August 2024, or risk losing their grant offers.

For cabbies across the UK, the collapse of VRS represents a significant setback. As the industry grapples with this latest blow, many drivers are left wondering how they will meet stringent emissions standards and keep their vehicles on the road.