Mexico - Nissan NV200 (Evalia) 'Taxi of Tomorrow' production commences
The Nissan NV200 (Nissan Evalia) as you all know is the "Taxi Of Tomorrow" as chosen by the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). At the 2012 New York Auto Show, Nissan showed the yellow cab that would replace the iconic Crown Victoria, sooner or later.
News comes from Mexico (in Spanish) that the production of the NV200 has already commenced. In fact, Nissan say that the demand has exceeded the supply already and the plant is working for 23 hours a day, six days a week. The first NV200s will hit the NY streets this fall.
The NV200 can seat four passengers, who will be able to observe the 'unique views' of the city thanks to transparent panels in the vehicle roof. An aircon system with independent control is also available for these passengers. The ingress and egress should be easy thanks to the sliding doors, and handrails and an entry step are provided for those who need the assistance.
Passengers have access to a charging station with a 12-volt connection, two USB ports, reading lights and floor lights. The seats they sit on is (and we're not making this up) anti bacterial, environmentally friendly and "feel and stimulate skin material"!
Power for the NV200 comes from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (power output is not mentioned) which is sure to be fuel and environmentally friendly compared to the Crown Victoria's 4.6-liter V8.
All NV200s come with a 150,000 mile (240,000km) warranty.
Nissan has also ensured that the horn is used less frequently by including a lot of exterior lights, one of them also indicating when the doors are open. The horn on the cab is a low frequency one, contrary to the ones used in India. A hearing loop system for the hearing impaired is also present.
Safety features include curtain airbags for the front and rear, and dual airbags for the front driver and passenger. Traction control and Vehicle Dynamic control are part of the standard kit.
Would the NV200 better the recently awarded Best Taxi In The World?