11 March 2015 Coventry, UK. The London Taxi Company which produces the world famous Black Cab has today announced the appointment of Carl-Peter Forster as new Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Forster is the Chief Advisor for the firm’s parent company, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group on a range of issues and is a member of the board of both Volvo Cars Corporation and Geely Automobile Holdings since 2013. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group acquired the London Taxi Company in 2013 and restarted production shortly afterwards. The new chairman will work with management to guide the company’s strategic direction and will oversee ground breaking new product developments in the coming years.
Mr. Forster is widely recognized as a leading global automotive expert. He brings with him significant experience and global competence from his time in senior leadership positions at major automotive OEMs such as BMW, GM Europe where he was in charge of Opel and Saab operations, as well as Tata Motors, where as Global Group Chief Executive Officer he was also responsible for the Jaguar and LandRover business.
Commenting on the appointment, Peter Johansen, London Taxi Corporation’s Vice President of UK Operations, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Carl-Peter Forster has accepted to take over as Chairman of the Board at the London Taxi Corporation.The appointment of someone with his track record is a big boost for our business and testament to the commitment Geely are placing in the company since they acquired us in 2013.”
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Chairman, Mr. Li Shufu commented: “We are very confident in Carl-Peters ability to lead the furthering of the London Taxi Company, we warmly welcome him to join in on the development of current and future products. Carl-Peter has already made a significant impact on the business through his work on various Geely Group projects but this appointment will further strengthen our ability to drive through improvements in customer satisfaction and further lifting our already high product quality levels. He will also play an important role in our plans to develop a range of pure electric and ultra-low emission purpose built London taxis.”
Carl-Peter Forster said: “The Black Cab is a British icon, with a global reach. Under Geely ownership the London Taxi Company has the potential for a bright future.The company is transitioning into a new era of innovative products for the taxi trade and commercial operators across the UK and the world. I’m looking forward to working with the management team to a new future of a worldwide famous brand and concept.”