Nissan's new NY 'yellow taxi' 05 | 05 | 2011

NOW IT DOESN'T HAVE anything like the same iconic lines as the current New York yellow taxi, but this is the Nissan which has won its bid to become New York’s 'Taxi of Tomorrow', a project established to find a replacement for the taxi which is synonymous with the famous city.

Due to be produced in Nissan’s facility in Mexico, the Nissan NV200 taxi is a modified version of the firm’s current compact van which, given just one small glimpse at the car, doesn't really come as any surprise, does it?

In a deal which will last until 2023, Nissan will provide the taxis from the end of 2013. Oh, and not surprisingly, Nissan is also set to introduce up to six electric Nissan Leafs next year for taxi drivers to try out in a pilot scheme.

New York's 'new' yellow taxi features a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine, “low-annoyance horn with exterior lights that indicate when the vehicle is honking,” transparent roof panel and a mobile charging station for passengers.

“Nissan is proud to provide the next generation of taxis for the City of New York," Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares said. “The NV200 taxi will give Nissan the opportunity to showcase our dedication to vehicle quality and urban mobility to more than 600,000 passengers every day.”

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Jim McGill