Ford is touting its Turkish-built Transit Connect as a future US market taxi by showing a concept version at the New York motor show from today (19 March).
Go deeper with GlobalData
The automaker said the comfortable, spacious and fuel-efficient Transit Connect was ideal for carrying people and cargo through congested city streets.
It had previously announced van versions with a two-litre, four cylinder petrol engine and automatic transmission would be sold in the US from the 2009 model year.
“Taxis are an important part of the urban landscape, and the Transit Connect Taxi concept represents a potential game-changer, given its small footprint, comfortable, spacious interior, fuel-efficient engine and affordability,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “We’re interested to see how people react.”
Ford has been a leader in the taxi business for decades. Its ancient, body-on-frame Crown Victoria is the leader in the taxi market in US cities and is also a staple of many police cruiser fleets.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataFord also was the first manufacturer to introduce gas-electric hybrid-powered taxis into North American fleets with the launch of the Escape Hybrid in San Francisco and New York in early 2005. Today, the Big Apple’s Escape hybrid fleet has grown to more than 800, including the original 18 that joined the fleet in 2005, still running with the original nickel-metal hydride batteries intact.
Ford said the Transit Connect’s estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city is a more than 30% improvement in fuel economy while tailpipe emissions are nearly 90% lower than many of today’s traditional taxis.
The show concept has an electronic infotainment and navigation system that shows passengers their accumulating cab fare, and a scrolling news, weather, sports score and stock ticker. Using the 13-inch diagonal touch screen, passengers also can select their choice of video and music channels, follow the taxi’s journey on a map or scroll through a list of points of interest along the route – including restaurants, museums and shops.
Once at the destination, the screen displays the fare with options to pay via cash, credit or debit. Cardholders can swipe their card, enter a pin number for debit, calculate the tip and complete the transaction right from their seat.
Ahead of the partition, the driver’s area comes with a fold-flat passenger seat that doubles as a work station. The concept is equipped with a special version of the Ford Work Solutions integrated computer.
The in-dash computer, powered by Microsoft Auto, provides full high-speed internet access via the Sprint mobile broadband network and works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. Thanks to Garmin navigation, the system features real-time weather and traffic information, allowing drivers to find the most trouble-free routes.
