Nissan Taxi Of Tomorrow debuting on eve of New York International Auto Show

The 2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi, New York’s Taxi of Tomorrow, will make its global debut tonight at a special event in SoHo with Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn and New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. (Earlier post.)

The new taxi is powered by a proven 2.0L 4-cylinder gasoline-fueled powertrain (with a 150,000-mile warranty), engineered to enhance the emission performance and fuel efficiency of the taxi fleet. As part of the Taxi of Tomorrow program, Nissan is also working with the City and taxi owners on a pilot program to study the use of zero-emission, electric vehicles as taxis. Nissan will provide six 100-percent electric Nissan LEAFs and three Level 2 charging stations at no charge to taxi owners and New York City to test the electrification of the taxi fleet.

After a rigorous, two-year competitive bid selection process, the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) selected the Nissan NV200 Taxi in May 2011 as the exclusive taxi of New York City beginning in late 2013. The Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, the Design Trust for Public Space and Smart Design also have engaged with Nissan and the TLC in the vehicle’s design.

Designed from the inside out, using input from New York taxi drivers, medallion holders, fleets and passengers, standard interior features and passenger amenities include:

Ample room for four passengers and their luggage, offering substantial improvements over current taxi models

Sliding doors with entry step and grab handles, providing easy entry and exit Transparent roof panel, presenting unique views of the city

Opening side windows

Independently controlled rear air conditioning

Active Carbon Lined headliner to help neutralize interior odors

Overhead reading lights for passengers and floor lighting to help locate belongings

A mobile charging station for passengers, including a 12-volt electrical outlet and two USB ports

Breathable, antimicrobial, environment-friendly, durable and easy-to-clean seat fabric, simulating the look and feel of leather

Flat “no hump” passenger floor area for more comfortable ride

The Taxi of Tomorrow is the only taxi ever to be safety tested and certified with full taxi partition. It also offers front and rear-seat occupant curtain airbags, and seat-mounted airbags for the front row. Traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control are standard.

The Nissan NV200 Taxi will be produced in North America at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Total manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of the vehicle, with all planned standard features, will be approximately $29,700.


Source: Green Car Congress