11/22/2010

Two Turkish contenders for NYC's “Taxi of Tomorrow”

Reuters - A futuristic Turkish taxi cab with a see-through roof for gazing at the skyline is among three finalists in New York City's search for the "Taxi of Tomorrow." The model V1 by Turkish automaker Karsan Otomotiv made the short list along with models by Nissan Motor Co. and Ford Motor Co., the city announced. The Ford entry, known as the Ford Transit Connect, is a compact van of the kind more commonly found in Europe. Designed and produced by Ford Otosan in Kocaeli, Türkiye, the Transit Connect model was awarded the "North American Truck of the Year 2010" at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The city's Taxi and Limousine Commission launched the "Taxi of Tomorrow" competition in 2007, searching for a fuel-efficient and wheelchair-accessible car to win an exclusive contract to provide cabs for at least ten years. The city has not disclosed the value of the contract.

"The yellow cab is one of the most iconic symbols of New York City. Taxis have been an important part of our mass transit system and we are going to create a new taxi for our city that is safer, greener, and more comfortable than the ones we have today," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
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turkey; turkish made; karsan; ford otosan; new york; nyc; taxi of tomorrow; v1; transit connect