Nissan unveils new London cabs

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LONDON, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Nissan has unveiled new black cabs to be used in London and said an all-electric version will be tested next year.

The Japanese company said the NV200, based on the NV200 compact van, is designed to be up to 50 percent more fuel efficient than currently used black cabs and dramatically reduce carbon dioxide emissions, The Daily Telegraph reported Monday.

Nissan has already rolled out versions of the cab in New York and Tokyo.

The company said the all-electric e-NV200 will undergo trials in London next year.

Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, praised the vehicles.

"Nissan already has a great footing in the London taxi market," he said. "The 2.7-liter (2.8 quarts) diesel that featured in some of the early taxis was one of the greatest engines ever put in a cab. From what I've seen of the NV200 London Taxi, it's important that it looks like a cab, is comfortable with good ingress and egress and is reliable. If the fuel consumption figures are as promised, it will be a big seller."