Car News Articles

CHICAGO — Today Ford unveiled a taxi version of its 2010 Transit Connect utility van that will go on sale in late 2010. In addition to its reconfigured interior, the Transit Connect Taxi will also offer fleet operators the option of running the vehicle on compressed natural gas or propane.

“While meeting with taxi operators in cities throughout the U.S., we found considerable interest for vehicles that run on alternative fuels,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “The Transit Connect Taxi, combined with an engine modified by Ford to use CNG/LPG, is designed to meet that need. This marks a new era in ‘green’ transit.”

Ford also announced that it will offer alternative fuel capability across the Transit Connect lineup. Ford already offers a similar option for its full-size Econoline vans. Ford says that a standard Transit Connect Taxi will offer a 30 percent fuel savings over most traditional taxis.

The interior of the Transit Connect Taxi was reconfigured for additional passenger room by moving the first-row seat back 3 inches. Auxiliary climate controls were also added to the rear seat area, along with additional windows. Ford also partnered with a company called Creative Mobile Technologies to offer a passenger information screen that can be used to show maps, TV programming and payment information.

Inside Line says: Ford continues to find ways to make the Transit Connect an interesting alternative for businesses that need specialized vehicles. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor