Coventry's iconic black cab will play a key role in next year’s European Games in Azerbaijan.

The city’s London Taxi Company has signed a deal to supply 500 cabs to the capital city of Baku in preparation for next summer’s major sporting event.

The Holyhead Road firm will be delivering the TX4s in three batches this year – joining the 1,000 damson-coloured cabs supplied in 2011 ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest.

LTC bosses say 300 of the instantly-recognisable cabs will be reserved for VIP transport during the Games.

The deal follows ongoing negotiations between the Ministry of Transport of Azerbaijan and LTC vice president of UK operations Peter Johansen.

Mr Johansen said: “This repeat order signals a strengthening of the partnership between The London Taxi Company and Azerbaijan.

“When officials looked to improve Baku’s taxi system, President Aliyev was integral in the decision to use the world’s most iconic and recognised black cab.

“It’s only fitting that these vehicles will form the basis of the VIP fleet during the prestigious European Games next year.

“The London Taxi represents premium quality, customer safety, comfort and recognisability, coupled with a unified fare system and a professional driver.

"We’re proud to be able to support the ambitions of Azerbaijan to raise the standards of the country’s taxi system, replicating the world class service delivered by drivers every day in our vehicle on the streets of London.”

The London Taxi TX4 has so far been exported into more than 40 markets worldwide.

This deal is the latest in a run of successful contract wins for the Coventry manufacturer since being taken over by Chinese automotive giant Geely after its previous owners Manganese Bronze Holdings collapsed into administration.

Bakudaily.az