LONDON'S famous taxi is picking up new fares - in Spain. After spending decades wending its way through the streets of the capital, the friendly black cab is now driving to international success. Billed as a new exhibit alongside the latest offerings from leading European car firms, the Carbodies Fairway had its official launch at the Barcelona Show - and was declared an instant hit by the importer.

'Every operator who sees the London taxi regards it as superior to the regular cab in use here. It is such a versatile vehicle,' said Ricardo Climent, commercial director of London Taxi Espana, an offshoot of a Valencia car dealership which sells Ferraris, Jaguars and Rovers.

The company spent three years homologating the diesel-powered Fairway and delivered its first car three weeks ago. 'Since then, three companies have ordered our cabs for use as hotel transport,' he said.