FORD TRANSIT CONNECT TAXI \u2018ON DUTY\u2019; NEW PEOPLE MOVER RUNS ON GREEN FUELS WITH NEW ENGINE OPTION<\/strong><\/p>\n– Transit Connect Taxi goes into production and will be available for the 2011 model year
\n– Transit Connect is built on a dedicated commercial vehicle platform, tested to Ford\u2019s toughest truck standards, offers a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and is designed to meet the extreme demands of taxi service
\n– A new engine prep package allows conversion to efficient, clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas)
\n– Transit Connect\u2019s roomy, easy-to-access interior provides passenger comfort and ample luggage storage space, even after modification to contain CNG\/LPG fuel tanks<\/p>\n
CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2010 \u2013 The Ford Transit Connect Taxi will go into production and arrive in dealerships later this year as a 2011 model, adding to Ford Motor Company\u2019s leadership in the North American taxi market.<\/p>\n
Making the announcement today at the Chicago Auto Show, Ford also said it will introduce engine prep packages on all Transit Connect models \u2013 base and taxi \u2013 allowing conversion to efficient, clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas). Both CNG and LPG are popular among taxi operators because of their low cost of ownership.<\/p>\n
The roomy, flexible interior of the Transit Connect \u2013 the 2010 North American Truck of the Year \u2013 is perfectly suited for taxi service and conversion to CNG and LPG. The vehicle\u2019s 135 cubic feet of cargo space accommodates a compressed gas tank while leaving ample passenger legroom and cargo capacity.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile meeting with taxi operators in cities throughout the U.S., we found considerable interest for vehicles that run on alternative fuels,\u201d said Mark Fields, Ford\u2019s president of The Americas. \u201cThe 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 \u2018green\u2019 transit.\u201d<\/p>\n
To further serve taxi operators, Ford will provide required calibration specifications for the CNG or LPG conversion. By properly following Ford\u2019s specifications, the conversion can be completed without voiding the engine\u2019s warranty.<\/p>\n
The alternative fuel advantage
\n<\/strong> According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CNG is less expensive and burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in 30 percent to 40 percent less greenhouse gas emissions. Propane also burns cleaner than gasoline.<\/p>\n\u201cCompressed natural gas and propane offer more than sufficient power for vehicles because they are high-energy fuels,\u201d said Rob Stevens, Transit Connect chief engineer. \u201cAnother natural benefit for these fuels is they provide an overall lower emission of greenhouse gases compared to gasoline. Additionally, operating on CNG or LPG provides the operators lower fuel\/operating costs for their fleet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Furthermore, nearly 87 percent of natural gas used in the United States is domestically produced. There also are government tax credit incentives for fleets to convert to alternative fuels.<\/p>\n
Since October 2009, CNG prep packages have been available on E-Series vans with 5.4-liter and 6.8-liter gas engines.<\/p>\n
A conversion-ready interior
\n<\/strong> The Transit Connect Taxi offers an outstanding interior package for people and cargo. With its open architecture, the taxi provides excellent interior headroom and passenger visibility. The vehicle\u2019s rear seat has been moved back three inches to maximize passenger comfort. Plus, with 6.5 inches of ground clearance, passengers step easily through the dual sliding doors. Additional climate control ventilation has been added for rear seat passengers.<\/p>\nThe Transit Connect Taxi also features a wiring upfit package with a hole in the roof for signage, vinyl front and rear seats, rubber rear floor, sliding second-row windows and standard third-row windows \u2013 all of which are factory installed. Additional installation of technology and other taxi modifications such as roof signage and the optional seating partition are handled by taxi upfitters in local markets.<\/p>\n
The vehicle\u2019s cargo area easily accommodates compressed natural gas tanks directly behind the second-row seat, still allowing ample luggage storage.<\/p>\n
Technology on the go
\n<\/strong> Ford is collaborating with Creative Mobile Technologies, LLC (CMT), to integrate premier payment processing and passenger information technologies in the Transit Connect Taxi.<\/p>\nFord and CMT also are developing strategies for potential integration of Ford Work Solutions, a suite of productivity technologies for business owners providing a wireless in-dash computer with full high-speed Internet access and navigation. \u201cFord has demonstrated a significant commitment to support the taxi industry with not only a dedicated product but also with the commitment to work with the technology companies that support the industry,\u201d said Jason Poliner, chief operating officer, CMT. \u201cFord understands that the taxi business is not just the vehicle but a complete technological solution.\u201d<\/p>\n
Evidence of how this technology could work in the future is included in the Transit Connect Taxi. It also features an 8.4-inch electronic infotainment and navigation screen that shows cab fare, news, weather, sports scores and stock ticker. With the touch screen, passengers also can select their choice of programming, follow the taxi\u2019s journey on a map, or scroll through a list of points of interest along the route \u2013 including restaurants, museums and shops.<\/p>\n
Once at the destination, the screen displays the fare with options to pay via cash, credit or debit. Cardholders can swipe their card, select a pre-calculated tip recommendation or utilize the touch screen to enter a tip amount, and complete the transaction right from their seat.<\/p>\n
Building on taxi leadership
\n<\/strong> The \u201cgreen\u201d taxi isn\u2019t new at Ford, which has been a leader in the taxi business for decades. Ford was the first manufacturer to introduce gas-electric hybrid-powered taxis into North American fleets with the launch of the Ford Escape Hybrid in San Francisco and New York City in early 2005.<\/p>\nBuilt on a dedicated commercial vehicle platform and tested to Ford tough truck standards, the Transit Connect Taxi \u2013 including gasoline-powered versions and those modified to operate on CNG\/LPG \u2013 is designed to meet the extreme demands of taxi service.<\/p>\n
With its standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, the conventionally powered Transit Connect is expected to deliver an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel economy over many of today\u2019s traditional taxis.<\/p>\n
\u201cTransit Connect already has proven that it offers tremendous versatility for commercial fleet use,\u201d said Gerry Koss, Ford fleet marketing manager. \u201cThe Transit Connect taxi, combined with the capability for CNG\/LPG conversion, further demonstrates its flexibility.\u201d<\/p>\n
– By: Omar Rana<\/em><\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/feedads.g.doubleclick.net\/~a\/iQfS8k5wbkaM8wlKN_PEOZdRsmc\/0\/di\")
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