Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), the second largest car manufacturer and the largest passenger car exporter, has finally forayed into taxi car segment in Mumbai on Monday.

The company, during a ceremony held at Modi Hyundai dealership in Mumbai, has handed over about 30 cars of Hyundai's best selling model - the Santro under its first batch, to the Mumbai Taxi Union.

Presently, Mumbai city has approx 50,000 black & yellow taxis which are to be replaced by new vehicles, as per the decision taken by the Taxi and Autorickshaw Welfare Sangh, which is in line with the state government's policy to phase out the 25-year old vehicles plying as taxis.

According to official sources, about 7,000 old taxis are scheduled to be replaced in the first phase and by December'09 Hyundai proposes to sell around 1250 Santro taxis out of which 500 will be equipped with AC in Mumbai.

It may be noted that Hyundai Santro is a proven and reliable car with comfortable and spacious interiors, convenient and practical features and has been one of the largest selling cars in this segment since its launch in the Indian market in September1998. The company is offering the car at a special price of Rs 2,42,500 specially for the Taxi in Mumbai.