Chief of city black cab maker to stand down
CEO SET TO TAKE UP A NEW ROLE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
THE boss at Coventry black cab maker the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) is to stand down. It has been announced that CEO Joerg Hofmann is leaving to pursue a new opportunity within the automotive industry.
LEVC is based at Ansty Park on the edge of Coventry where it now makes an electric version of the famous London taxi. The company is owned by Chinese automotive giant Geely, which also owns Volvo and Polestar.
Joining in February 2019, Mr Hofmann’s three-and-a-half years at the helm of LEVC have resulted in many major achievements. They include the company recently hitting the milestone of 7,000 global sales of its TX electric taxi, the launch of a new light commercial vehicle and ever-growing demand for its electrified products both in the UK and internationally.
Mr Hofmann will take up his new CEO position within the automotive industry in September. From July 1, Alex Nan will take over full responsibility for LEVC globally.
Mr Nan brings with him extensive sales and marketing, product strategy and planning experience. To facilitate the handover of the CEO role, Mr Hofmann will work closely with Mr Nan and support him through July to the end of August.
Mr Nan said: “On behalf of the Geely Group and all at LEVC, I would like to thank Joerg Hofmann for his enormous contribution. He has spearheaded the launch of the VN5 light commercial vehicle, guided the company through the Covid pandemic and overseen the major recent milestone of 7,000 global sales of the world’s most advanced electric taxi - the TX.
“As LEVC enters the next exciting stage in its product and development strategy, together with the management, I will continue to push the company towards a greener, more technology-driven and sustainable future.”
Mr Hofmann said: “The past threeand-a-half
years have been some of the most challenging but rewarding of my career, launching new product and growing LEVC’S European and global sales markets. It has been an honour to lead the growth and development of this unique and iconic British brand and I’m extremely proud of what our team has achieved.
“I would like to thank all my colleagues at LEVC for their support and efforts over the past few years. I am looking forward to working on another growth opportunity and I wish Alex Nan every success in his new role.”
LEVC’S history began in 1908 when the first dedicated black cab was specially designed and commissioned for use in London. With its unmistakable silhouette and classic design cues, this iconic British vehicle has defined the company for over a century.
In 2018, LEVC introduced its latest taxi model, the electric TX. It is powered by LEVC’S ecity technology, which combines battery power with a petrolpowered range extender.
In November 2019, LEVC started production of its first non-taxi model with the launch of VN5, a mediumsized electric van. Utilising the same ecity technology as TX, VN5 offers both zero-emission capability and zero range anxiety for commercial vehicle operators.