This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/oct/30/london-black-cab-firm-loss

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
London black cab firm future in doubt London black cab firm future in doubt
(10 days later)
London black cab maker Manganese Bronze has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers as administrators. The company reported on Tuesday that the accountants aim to find a buyer for the whole business or just for parts of it.London black cab maker Manganese Bronze has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers as administrators. The company reported on Tuesday that the accountants aim to find a buyer for the whole business or just for parts of it.
Matthew Hammond, a partner with the firm, said: "We are reviewing the existing financial position to develop a range of options to rescue the business or alternatively dispose of it to an investor that can continue the business to a secure future for the iconic London Black Cab."Matthew Hammond, a partner with the firm, said: "We are reviewing the existing financial position to develop a range of options to rescue the business or alternatively dispose of it to an investor that can continue the business to a secure future for the iconic London Black Cab."
Discussions have already started with a number of UK and international companies. But the future of the manufacturer, which has been losing market share to Mercedes Vito taxis, does not look bright.Discussions have already started with a number of UK and international companies. But the future of the manufacturer, which has been losing market share to Mercedes Vito taxis, does not look bright.
Manganese Bronze has been making losses for four years due to a combination of poor UK sales, supply chain issues, and high warranty costs. Earlier this month it suspended its shares and recalled 400 taxis due to a steering box defect. A hoped for emergency cash injection from its Chinese partner, Geely, failed to materialise.Manganese Bronze has been making losses for four years due to a combination of poor UK sales, supply chain issues, and high warranty costs. Earlier this month it suspended its shares and recalled 400 taxis due to a steering box defect. A hoped for emergency cash injection from its Chinese partner, Geely, failed to materialise.
Shares closed at 10 pence on 11 October, the last day they traded on the London Stock Exchange, valuing the company at about £3m. The Coventry firm has about 280 employees.Shares closed at 10 pence on 11 October, the last day they traded on the London Stock Exchange, valuing the company at about £3m. The Coventry firm has about 280 employees.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. Enter your email address to subscribe.Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. Enter your email address to subscribe.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.