NEW PEUGEOT E7 TAXI DROPS IN
ON 2007 CV SHOW

•  First public showing before its launch at the
  2007 Taxi show
  
• 5000 Peugeot Taxis have now been supplied
  by Cab Direct.

 The 2007 CV Show and the Peugeot stand will play host to the new Peugeot E7 Taxi based on the recently launched Peugeot Expert Tepee.

The new model E7 will replace the current highly successful model and will be officially launched at the Taxi show in Coventry next month. The Peugeot E7 is a purpose built hackney taxi jointly manufactured by Peugeot and Cab Direct. The vehicle provides full wheelchair accessibility and holds EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval.

The success of the Peugeot E7 since its launch has seen it become a market leader in major cities such as Birmingham, Leeds, Leicester, Sheffield, Newcastle, Sunderland, Southampton, Bristol, Cardiff, Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow. It is licensed to operate in 93% of all local authority areas across the UK.

Derived from the new Expert Tepee, the new model E7 offers modern design, improved comfort and the latest safety technology to protect driver and passengers alike. It is equipped with the environmentally friendly Peugeot HDi 2.0 litre 120 bhp engine, which provides class leading performance, economy and reliability.

The E7 also offers the revolutionary EasyGlide^TM under floor ramp system which is easy to use and provides excellent wheelchair access to the vehicle. To ensure peace of mind, E7 taxis are covered by a unique five year unlimited mileage warranty.

The new E7 shares all the advantages of the current model but now also offers:

• Improved driver comfort and convenience, enhanced driving position, better all-round visibility and rear tailgate access.
• New fascia integrated two-way intercom.
• An even smoother, more stable ride with Peugeot's all-round independent suspension.
• Improved wheelchair access with wider doors and increased headroom.
• Improved driver and passenger safety with all-round disc brakes, ABS, ESP and front airbags.
• Head restraints on all seats including rear folding seats.
• Wheelchair and wheelchair occupant restraints which have been tested to the highest standards ever achieved in a UK Taxi.
• 70% greater rear luggage space on the standard model and, for the first time, a long wheel base version with even greater luggage carrying capabilities.

Since its introduction the E7 has radically transformed the UK hackney taxi market and steadily eroded the monopoly held by the traditional 'London style' black cab which sells 60% of it product in London where it is protected by historic licensing conditions which date back to the days of the horse and cart. These London conditions preserve a single-company monopoly that also currently prevents the E7 from being licensed for use in Manchester and Liverpool.

Gerry Facenna Chairman of Cab Direct said "Peugeot's intensive 700m development programme has created a stunning new vehicle ideal for the hard working taxi trade, combining new levels of style and comfort with unbeatable reliability and economy."

Steve Harris Peugeot's Director of Fleet and Leasing, said: "We are delighted to be associated with Cab Direct and the exciting new E7 taxi. I am sure it will become the benchmark that all other taxis are measured against."

Prices and specification will be announced at the official launch in May.