THE famous London black cab could soon be a prominent feature in Moscow, as Russia is among a growing amount of countries that have expressed an interest in adding the vehicles to their own taxi fleets. UK-based manufacturer LTI Vehicles has already supplied vehicles to countries including China, Mexico, Nigeria and South Africa.

Following a recent delegation from the UK visiting Russia, organised by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), discussions have begun about shipping some of the taxis over to the country.

Two specially-built London taxis are also to be trialled in Kuwait and Dubai. Technical changes required to cope with the extreme heat in those countries include larger radiators and air-conditioning condensers and the use of heatproof materials for the roof-mounted taxi sign.

LTI Vehicles sales and marketing director Matthew Cheyne said: ‘Increasing demand from overseas is not just about the quality and durability of these purpose-built vehicles. It’s to do with buying a British icon.’