The “Taxi of Tomorrow” competition has selected Nissan’s NV200 as New York’s next-gen taxi cab. Competing against the Ford Transit Connect and the V1 from Turkish automaker Karsan, the Nissan NV200 was chosen by the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) after a rigorous two-year selection process. Replacing New York’s current fleet of taxis, the NV200-based Taxi of Tomorrow will be the city’s exclusive taxi vehicle starting in 2013.
Winning the competition means Nissan gets a 10-year contract as the official supplier of taxis for the city, which currently employs more than 13,000 yellow cabs. “The NV200 taxi will give Nissan the opportunity to showcase our dedication to vehicle quality and urban mobility to more than 600,000 passengers every day,” said Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares.
Essentially a modified version of Nissan’s commercial van, the NV200 taxi was chosen for its versatility, safety and standard features. Engineered with fuel efficiency and low emissions in mind, New York’s new cab will be powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine. Cabin volume is claimed to also be significantly increased over current taxis, accommodating up to four passengers with luggage. A transparent roof panel will offer passengers a view of New York’s skyline. Or, if they’re tired of the view, convenience features like overhead reading lights and a mobile charging station with 12-volt outlet and two USB ports allow passengers to occupy themselves with a book or mobile device.
From Motor Trend Magazine
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