Robert Rayner, owner of Arrow Passenger Transport in Bournemouth, has been a cabbie for a massive 31 years – so he can certainly claim to know what he’s talking about.
As you’d expect, during that time Robert has driven his fair share of cabs. From the Fairway to various TX models, Robert has always tended towards the old style, traditional London cab – that is, until now.
Robert explains: “I’ve been a taxi driver for a long time and I’ve had five London cabs over the years. When I was looking to change my TX2 at the start of the year, given the uncertain future of the London Taxi Company, I decided it was time to look elsewhere so I called Cab Direct.
“After some discussion, I opted for their Mercedes-Benz M8 Vito taxi. Now that I have, I couldn’t be happier.”
World Class Brand
Robert continues in his praise: “Mercedes is a world class brand, producing the best engines in the world. In terms of reliability, with Mercedes you’ve got complete peace of mind. For a multi-seater hackney, the M8 is the way forward.
“The TX is yesterday’s cab if you ask me. And I think many of the drivers on the rank in Bournemouth are of the same opinion as I’ve had nothing but positive comments since taking delivery of my new cab.”
The Mercedes-Benz brand inevitably prompts high expectations and the M8™ doesn’t disappoint. Featuring Mercedes newly developed 4-cylinder, Euro 5 CDi diesel engine, the M8™ delivers both power and performance, making for superb responsiveness and driveability. Plus, with a newly developed suspension system, the M8™ plants its power onto the road even more impressively and comfortably than ever before.
Robert says: “Not only does the M8 offer a great drive, the efficiency is fantastic too. I’ve not had my new cab for long but I can already notice an improved return on miles per gallon.”
Purpose-built
When you consider how much time you spend behind the wheel, why shouldn’t you enjoy a comfortable working environment? What’s more, when your vehicle is your business, it pays to make a good impression, every time. That’s why Cab Direct and Mercedes-Benz joined forces to create a tailor-made cab, built for the professional taxi driver.
M8’s spacious and bright driver compartment offers many practical features to make your life easier, including numerous storage areas and a handy centre console for all your bits and bobs. The new and improved driver’s seat is ergonomically shaped and offers numerous adjustment options so you can choose your ideal set-up. There’s also a unique quick release passenger door system for added comfort and convenience.
If that’s not enough, with M8’s heating system, driver’s air conditioning and sliding windows in the rear, you and your passengers will enjoy optimum comfort, whatever the weather.
Robert says: “I’ve been really impressed with the overall specification and the taxi features of the M8 cab. The twin electric side-steps are particularly useful for older passengers and the wheelchair accessible ramp is really easy to use. It just clicks together to make wheelchair work no problem at all – it’s a vast improvement from what I had before.”