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Welsh made taxi is launched to hail orders
publication date: Jul 19, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
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Brecon Beacons Coachworks has unveiled a new
seven-seat taxi.
Based on the Citroen Dispatch Enterprise, the BB Coachworks model
features sliding side doors suitable for wheelchair access and users,
with passengers sitting “conference” style facing each other when the
rear-facing seats are folded down.
A purposed-designed on-board ramp can be fitted in seconds to either
side step to allow wheelchairs to be placed in the vehicle and secured,
and there is a security screen between the driver and passenger
compartments. Luggage is carried behind the passenger compartment.
The BB Coachworks taxi uses the proven 120bhp Citroen turbo-diesel
engine and it is supplied exclusively through Thomas and Davies, Merthyr
Tydfil for around £21,000, plus VAT..
BB Coachworks director John Wiggins launching the model to the media
said, “The Citroen Dispatch Enterprise is a very good basic
specification for conversion and has a proven record for reliability
over high mileages and we thought it is an ideal base model for us to
develop.
“The new model we are building at Brecon meets the latest licensing
regulations and we believe it will prove popular with taxi operators,
local authorities and private providers. We have already had a lot of
interest shown in it by one Welsh authority for their transport needs.”
| Scott Michael, commercial vehicle sales manager
Citroen UK, looked
at the Brecon Beacons Coachworks conversion of the Dispatch Enterprise
and said afterwards, “It seems to be a comparable product in the market.
The market is very price sensitive and I think it has a good chance to
be a success.”
| John Wiggins said, “Using our extensive experience in
coachbuilding we have
provided the new model with the latest quick-release seating system
which means it can be quickly reconfigured for a variety of users and
then returned to another setting for the next user.
“Wheelchair users are securely strapped into the vehicle using the seat
belts provided and their helpers can sit beside or infront of them as
there is plenty of legroom inside the cab.”
Brecon Beacons Coachworks take two weeks to convert the basic Citroen
van into the taxi using bought in and specially fabricated components
and want to source more parts from within Wales as orders increase. | | | | Thomas and Davies MD Jason Thomas (pictured extreme right with John Wiggins) said, “We have worked
with John
Wiggins on a number of projects and were very impressed by the quality
of his coachbuilt models and have no doubt this taxi will become very
popular in what is a price sensitive market place, where his quality of
workmanship will stand out above competitors. I think it will do very
well.”
|  | | © Images Owen Roberts | | He added, “We and Citroen are so confident in the new
model that it will
be sold with the usual 3years and 100K warranty so customers can buy
with the utmost confidence.” |
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