NISSAN has unveiled a bold new vision for the future of the London ‘black cab’ and its 300,000 daily users – the Nissan NV200 London Taxi.
The NV200 London Taxi will offer significantly reduced CO2 outputs compared to current taxi models – a focus in line with the Mayor Boris Johnson’s air quality strategy for London.
An all-electric e-NV200 concept is also set to undergo trials in the capital.
The Mayor has joined disability groups and the influential London Taxi Drivers’ Association in welcoming the launch of the Nissan NV200 London Taxi.
Taxi versions of the NV200 have already been unveiled in Tokyo and it has also been chosen as the exclusive New York City ‘taxi of tomorrow’. The NV200 London Taxi joins an exciting global Nissan vision for the private hire industry.
Ticks all the right boxes
Nissan has a respected place in the capital’s taxi history – its 2.7-litre TD27 diesel engine was chosen for the iconic LTI FX4 ‘Fairway’ black cab, which introduced improved speed, reliability and efficiency to the London cabbie’s daily drive. The same engine also featured in the Fairway’s successor, the TX1.
Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, said: ‘From what I’ve seen of the NV200 London Taxi, it ticks all the right boxes. It’s important that it looks like a cab, is comfortable and is reliable. If the fuel consumption figures are as promised, it will be a big seller.’
Designed from the inside out for the well-being of passengers, drivers and even other road users, the NV200 London Taxi is more efficient and more environmentally considerate than current ‘black cab’ models, while delivering more comfort, space and convenience for occupants. A particular focus was also placed on providing for passengers with mobility issues.
Alan Norton, from Assist UK, said: ‘We congratulate Nissan for its initiative and wish them every success with their project.’
Durable and reliable, the Nissan NV200 London Taxi is based on the company’s multi-purpose NV200 compact van – a vehicle which has won many awards including International Van Of The Year. Launched at end of 2009, the model has been introduced to 40 countries, selling over 100,000 units worldwide.
The Nissan NV200 London Taxi comfortably seats five adults – three on a rear bench with two on rear-facing, fold-down seats. The front passenger seat has been removed to create space for luggage.
A stand-out feature is the taxi’s sliding passenger doors, which were developed for easy opening and closing. They are also much safer for pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles because they do not swing out to create a potential obstruction.
The diesel version of the Nissan NV200 London Taxi is expected to be competitively priced below the new TX4 – the London Taxi Company’s current model – and will be available through a designated ‘specialist’ Nissan dealer.
Nissan’s NV200 also delivers significantly improved running costs than alternative London cabs. The model’s frugal 1.5 dCi 110 HP EuroV, 6-speed manual drivetrain achieves 53.3mpg on a combined cycle meaning almost 50 per cent fuel saving than the most efficient TX4 with its combined cycle figure of 35.3mpg.
21st century vision
Fuel costs account for around 10 percent of taxi driver overheads. Over the course of a year, NV200 London Taxi drivers would spend around 50 per cent less – about £700 – on fuel than TX4 drivers.
With a focus on improving air quality in the city, the NV200 London Taxi’s Euro V engine only emits up to 139g/km of CO2, compared with 209g/km from the ‘greenest’ TX4 model. If all of London’s licensed taxis were replaced with the NV200 London Taxi, there would be a CO2 reduction across London of 37,970 metric tonnes each year – the equivalent of planting 10,000 acres, or two Congestion Charge zones, of trees every 12 months.
Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President of Nissan, said: ‘Nissan is proud to be delivering a 21st century vision for one of London’s most iconic vehicles. The ‘‘black cab’’ is as much a part of the London landscape as Big Ben and, whilst there will always be a place for that familiar silhouette, the Nissan NV200 London Taxi focuses as much attention on its interior as the exterior – a better experience for drivers and passengers.
‘The Nissan NV200 is a global taxi, launching in the biggest and brightest cities in the world. Safe, comfortable, efficient and convenient – it’s a great step forward for providing a transport solution that is good for both its users and other city inhabitants.’