Nissan’s NV200 “Taxi of Tomorrow”, is now available.
Your next trip to New York City could see you take a Ford Fusion, or a Ford Transit Connect taxi. Ford has announced that it will offer two new taxis to livery service. The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission also reversed an earlier decision, forcing yellow cab owners into purchasing the Nissan N200. According to The New York Times. Taxi drivers can now choose from a wider range of vehicles. Ford chose the perfect time to launch the 2019 Ford Fusion Hybrid Taxi and Transit Connect Taxi.
Imran Jalal is brand and communications manager at Ford fleet marketing. “Taxi operators need vehicles that are reliable and efficient.” “Transit Connect Taxi, Fusion Hybrid Taxi all offer these features with special attention to help reduce fuel costs. Fusion Hybrid is a sign of our commitment to introducing more efficient and powerful hybrids in the future.
Ford’s Transit Connect is directly targeting the Nissan NV200. It offers five seats, as opposed to Nissan’s four and more than 60 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second-row seats. According to Dearborn, the Transit Taxi’s 1.5-liter EcoBlue Diesel engine will provide power. It should be able to return at least 30 MPG on the highway, as per the EPA.
There are many Taxi-specific features included in the Transit, including a recessed second row seat, a taxi wiring harness, first-row side curtains airbags, an optional roof access hole for signage and a reverse sensing device. You can also get it with School Bus Yellow paint. Through the Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier program, the taxi can be made wheelchair-accessible. This modification includes an easy-to deploy ramp that doubles up as a cargo deck when it is stowed behind the van.
The 2019 Ford Fusion Hybrid Taxi goes beyond a Fusion Hybrid with yellow paint. For increased durability, the taxi will be paired with the Ford Police Responder Hybrid. The police-tuned suspension will be fitted to the taxi, along with high-performance brakes and steel wheels. Drivers have the option of heavy-duty cloth seats or vinyl flooring. For will again offer School Bus Yellow paint. Standard features include a rearview cam and a mounting plate to mount taxi meters and other fleet equipment.