London's black cabs may start operating in cities across continental Europe

Executives from the company have reportedly already visited cities including Oslo, Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin

The London Taxi Company dates back to 1899. In 2012, Chinese automaker Geely, which also owns Volvo Cars, agreed to buy it (PA)

Always thought that you were more likely to hop on a bicycle in Amsterdam than hail one of London’s iconic black cabs? That may be about to change.

The owner of the company that makes London’s characteristic taxis has unveiled major expansion plans, including a push into mainland Europe.

Speaking to Reuters for an interview published on Monday, Chris Gubbey, the chief executive of the London Taxi Company, said that his firm is pushing ahead with investment plans despite political jitter around Brexit, and that the company aims to increase output ten-fold by the turn of the decade.

As a result, London’s black cabs could start hitting the streets of mainland Europe as early as next year, he said, though they might not necessarily be black in colour.

LTC dates back to 1899. In 2012, Chinese automaker Geely, which also owns Volvo Cars, agreed to buy it. It’s recently been exploring the possibility of electrifying its fleet and last year secured $400m through a green bond sale to finance the development of the TX5, a hybrid battery-powered version of the classic black cab.

Reuters reported that executives from the company had already visited cities including Oslo, Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin, staking out markets, but Mr Gubbey declined to comment on which city would be the first overseas destination for the launch of the iconic cab.

Asked by Reuters about the challenges of Brexit, Mr Gubbey said that the UK vote to quit the European Union had not triggered any investment changes, but that it had raised concerns about the future.

Last week data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed that the number of cars built in the UK hit a 17-year high in 2016 and that more cars are being exported from Britain than ever before.

The trade body also warned, however, that a failure to establish proper trade deals after Brexit could damage the industry “beyond repair”.