Allied Vehicles upbeat despite customer 'finance issues'

ALLIED Vehicles, one of the UK's leading suppliers of wheelchair-accessible cars and taxis, has reiterated its commitment to its Glasgow manufacturing base.

The privately-owned firm, whose converted Peugeot taxis are becoming an increasingly familiar sight on city streets, said finance availability was becoming "an issue" for its customers. But despite the subsequent hit on sales, Allied said it planned to increase vehicle manufacture "in the next few years".

The comments are contained in the company's latest annual accounts, which were filed this week at Companies House. They reveal that turnover in the 15 months to 30 April topped £69.1 million, compared with £44.1m in the prior 12-month period. Pre-tax profits came in at £742,975, against £582,646 last time.

During the period, staff numbers rose by 10 per cent to about 330 as the firm relocated to new manufacturing premises in Glasgow. The move was supported by a regional selective assistance grant.