The Metrocab proposal is expected to involve the creation of hundreds of jobs. Ecotive, the manufacturers of the taxis, may use brochure printers in Coventry to showcase their product. With full-scale production set to commence in 2016, Louise Bennett, the head of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, has told the Coventry Telegraph:
“This is yet more good news for our automotive sector and the region is fast becoming a ‘hub’ for taxi manufacturing. We have the relevant expertise and the knowledge in this area and that is giving companies in this field the confidence to invest in Coventry and Warwickshire.”
Richard Hutchins, who is an executive at Jaguar Land Rover, has also been positive about what the taxi manufacturing firm should bring to the region. Ecotive has made a deal with Multimatic, which has opted to invest millions of pounds at its site in a local business park.
Bennett has indicated that the commitment to taxi development is not the only current competitive advantage for the area. She has said that the small suppliers of components will benefit from the local investment. Further, she has stressed how designers could gain from increased economic activity in the automotive sector. In addition, she has pointed out that continued cooperation between universities and industry could enhance progress.