Shocking news for the black London cab

In 2009, the TX4E will join its diesel counterparts on the roads of London.

Black cab maker Manganese Bronze will work with British commercial electric vehicle maker Smith Electric Vehicles to develop the TX4E, which is said to have a range of 100 miles and top speed of 50mph. It will use lithium ion batteries and, claims Manganese Bronze, will cost around 4p per mile to run.

Pricing is yet to be announced but it will cost more than the usual TX4 which starts from £28,000 which will put some cab drivers off.

A conventional TX4 is exempt from emissions-based charging such as London's congestion charge, despite the automatic model emitting more than the 225g/km limit above which drivers must pay £25 to enter central London.

Dodge Journey to launch in China (CN)

Chrysler LLC will introduce 2 new vehicles to the Chinese market. First will be the Jeep Wrangler and secondly will be the Dodge Journey. The Journey will join the Dodge line-up in 2009 alongside the Caliber, Avenger and Caravan. Locally, the new crossover will be known as the JCUV.

The JCUV will open up a new market segment to Dodge in China and straight away claim best-in-class power, torque and safety features. The crossover seats 5+2 with plenty of storage space.

“This product offensive, together with an expanded and strengthened dealer network, is allowing us to continue our sustainable profitable growth in this critical market for our Company,” said Phil Murtaugh, Chief Executive Officer – Asia Operations. Four of the Chrysler Group cars are built in China, namely the Chrysler 300C and Sebring by BeijingBenz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive and the Chrysler Grand Voyager and Dodge Caravan are produced at Southeast Motor in Fuzhou.

Related link:

New Car: 2009 Dodge Journey