Beijing Bound for the Black Cabs

A great example in the news today of the potential for joint ventures to provide substantial growth opportunities for a business operating in a mature domestic market.

The Guardian reports how black cab taxi-maker Manganese Bronze is enjoying success with a joint venture in China. It has taken orders for 3,000 of its latest taxi cab model, a volume that is the same as the entire output produced by the business in the UK last year.

The potential for exports to drive sales growth is apparent in the story. Back in 2006, Manganese Bronze exported less than 100 cabs. So whilst the domestic (UK) taxi market might be weak, strong exports are more than making up the difference.