New York City Gets Nissan Taxi of Tomorrow

In a majority vote Thursday, New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) officially approved regulations requiring the replacement of retiring taxicab vehicles with the Nissan NV200 Taxi of Tomorrow.

According to Nissan, the regulation sets a new standard for vehicles operating on the streets of New York, beginning in October 2013, and will significantly improve the overall fuel efficiency of New York’s taxi fleet.

The exclusive agreement begins in late 2013, when the first Nissan taxis will hit the New York streets, and lasts for a decade. Powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, the Nissan NV200 is designed to reduce carbon emissions and enhance fuel efficiency across the entire taxi fleet, as old models are replaced.

“Nissan is appreciative of the opportunity to provide the City of New York with the next-generation of its iconic yellow taxi,” said Joe Castelli, vice president, commercial vehicles and fleet, Nissan North America Inc.

“We’re looking forward to working side-by-side with the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission to deliver the safest and most comfortable taxi ever to be on the streets of New York. The Nissan NV200 Taxi will deliver unprecedented innovation and vehicle features to the 13,000-strong taxi fleet.”

“The Taxi of Tomorrow is a little closer to today,” said NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission Chair David Yassky. “Today’s vote paves the way for a safer, more comfortable, convenient and fun ride than New Yorkers have ever known. Today’s culminating vote may have been five years in the making but feels like a new beginning and leaves us even more excited and energized about the future!”

The Nissan NV200 Taxi will be produced in North America at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Total manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of the vehicle, with all planned standard features, will be approximately $29,700.