Cabbies sue taxi maker for loss of earnings

More than 400 cabbies are suing the maker of the famous black taxi for loss of earnings after a spate of under-bonnet fires took more than 5000 vehicles off the road in 2008.

A High Court claim for loss of earnings has been lodged against Maganese Bronze subsidiary LTI and 11 other companies by 436 taxi drivers over its TX4 cab.

Faulty insulation caused 12 fires in early models, forcing Manganese to pay £3.8 million for a product recall and keeping the cabs off the road.

Solicitors acting for the drivers have applied for a joint litigation order to hear the cases together.

Manganese is contesting the claim.