Forget about the humble Chinese-made taxis, residents of east China's Hangzhou city will soon have the luxury of catching a ride in the likes of a BMW or Mercedes Benz.

The city is adding 100 luxury taxis, as part of the 500 new cabs that will be on the road this year.

The price of these luxury taxis will be the same as common ones, with a starting price of 10 yuan, or US$1.2, then 2 yuan per kilometer.

However, the authorities say the price may be changed according to the market.

(Cri.com April 26, 2004)