SUCCESSFUL Russian businessmen have a new dealership in which to choose their new cars.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has opened its latest site base at number 1 Red Square in Moscow.

Housed within a converted museum, the premises sit next door to the Kremlin and opposite St Basils Cathedral on the north side of the square.

Tony Gott, chairman and chief executive officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: 'We are delighted to be in Moscow to celebrate the opening of the latest of our worldwide dealer operations. There is a heightened sense of excitement to be here today at such a prominent address which stands as such a landmark at the centre of Russian society.

'A number of Phantoms have already been delivered in the region despite the lack of an official presence over the last 12 months, which is an encouraging sign for the future.'

LTI Vehicles' purpose built 'black cab' is to be sold in Russia for the first time and will be used as a radio car.

The TXII taxi has been purchased by the BBC World Service after Yuri Goligorsky, re-broadcasting manager for the BBC World Service visited the Coventry factory of LTI Vehicles to order a left-hand drive version of the TXII taxi.

After completion it will transported to Moscow and fitted with satellite transmission and recording equipment before starting work on the streets of Moscow.