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NEW MAXICAB TAXI: Scotland’s First Minister backs the launch of fully electric black cab

Perry Richardson

Image credit: Allied Vehicles
Image credit: Allied Vehicles

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has welcomed the launch of the UK’s only fully electric black cab, the Ford MAXiCab, during a visit to Allied Vehicles Group in Glasgow.


The taxi, developed by Cab Direct in partnership with Ford, is designed, engineered, and manufactured in Scotland, marking a major step in the country’s push towards net-zero emissions.

Built on the Ford Tourneo Custom, the MAXiCab comes in fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and diesel models. The zero-emission electric version sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the UK’s taxi industry. Its introduction aligns with Scotland’s long-term climate strategy, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.


During his visit, Swinney highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of the project. The development of the MAXiCab has created 50 new jobs in Scotland, with support from a Scottish Enterprise engineering development grant. The First Minister praised Allied Vehicles for seizing opportunities in the green economy, stating that businesses across Scotland should be encouraged to do the same.

Accessibility is another key feature of the MAXiCab. The new model offers 20% improved manoeuvrability for wheelchair users, making it the most accessible hackney taxi on the market. Its spacious interior and design improvements aim to provide a safer and more comfortable experience for passengers with mobility needs.


Scotland’s taxi fleet could soon lead the UK in sustainable transport. The MAXiCab is currently unavailable in London due to strict turning circle regulations, meaning Scotland’s cities could set the standard for green and accessible taxis. The Scottish Government’s initiatives, including Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes and the Switched-On Taxi Loan, are expected to further accelerate the transition to electric taxis across the country.

John Swinney, First Minister, said: “This impressive new taxi - a UK first - developed by Allied Vehicles and supported in part by Scottish Enterprise, is a huge achievement that will bring so many benefits – supporting accessibility, connectivity, and helping to lower emissions.

 

“A fair and just transition to net zero is good for everyone in society – and Allied Vehicles are demonstrating just exactly what that means. Designed, engineered, and manufactured right here in Scotland, the new taxi is an excellent example of a company taking advantage of the economic opportunities of the transition to net zero, creating new jobs and exciting opportunities. We want to ensure that businesses across Scotland are able and encouraged to do the same.  

“Innovations like this, which contribute to lowering emissions, will help create greener, healthier and more enjoyable environments for people and communities. And Scottish Government initiatives such as the Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes, and Switched-On Taxi Loan, will encourage people and businesses across Scotland to play their part in advancing net zero.”


Peter Facenna, Allied’s Managing Director, said: “Allied Vehicles has always been a proud Scottish company with a rich history of taxi and wheelchair accessible innovation. To overcome all the significant challenges to design and manufacture a wheelchair accessible fully electric cab, has been a feat of engineering, and I’m proud of the team here for achieving this. To have an opportunity to be pioneers in the fully electric taxi market and support the Scottish Government’s emissions target, is also particularly exciting.”


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