The NV200 Taxi is based on the Nissan NV200 compact van, using the proven B-platform, but has been modified to become the exclusive replacement for taxi vehicles in the largest U.S. taxi fleet. Using input from New York taxi drivers, medallion holders, fleets and test passengers, the NV200 Taxi has been designed from the inside out. The NV200 Taxi (fleet only vehicle) comes standard with a proven 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder front-wheel drive powertrain. It is mated with the Xtronic® CVT that is specifically engineered to enhance the low-emission performance and fuel efficiency of the taxi.

The compact front-wheel drive, yellow vans are designed to keep four passengers smiling, with three on the other side of the partition, and one next to the driver. They are spacious and loaded with convenience and safety features with more than ample room for four passengers and their luggage. The NV200 Taxis were intuitively designed with extra-light sliding rear access doors, a special swing-out entry step and builtin grab handles. The NV200 Taxis are also equipped with exterior lights that help alert other road users that the taxi’s doors are opening. To help reduce noise pollution, they are equipped with a low-annoyance horn with exterior lights that indicate when the vehicle is honking (it does get noisy on city streets). This design feature was intended so that the horn would be used less frequently.

NVT Interior Features

Despite its compact size, much thought was put into providing convenience. The NV200 Taxi is a customconfigured vehicle that delivers maximum comfort for passengers and drivers. It was designed with limousinegrade legroom, utilizing a flattened middle seat and a flat passenger floor area for a more comfortable ride. The cabin features a full-length divider window, incorporating a pass-through slider for payments as well as a naturalsounding intercom system similar to those used in London cabs. The passenger compartment has cup holders and multiple USB ports for recharging cell phones and other devices. With the sliding side window closed, the NVT’s interior is extremely quiet, adding to its limousine feel.

Since taxis are heavily used as people haulers, they have been known for their odorous smells. The passenger area of the NVT was designed to provide an attractive, breathable, anti-microbial, clean environment. The rear of the cabin has passenger-controlled climate controls, and to help maintain a healthy cabin, the vehicle HVAC system is equipped with a premium air filter. The independently controlled rear air conditioning includes a grape phenolcoated air filter that helps to improve cabin air quality. The NV200 Taxis are equipped with easy-to-clean vinyl seat fabric that simulates the look and feel of leather.

Nissan Design planned for durability issues that occur in heavily used commuter vehicles. As passengers slide in and out, many rub metal buttons from their clothing or the clasps from their luggage against the seats. The upholstery chosen for the NVTs is an advanced heavy-duty vinyl that breathes and is easy to clean. The material is antimicrobial and has an estimated protective life of over five years.

Passenger Amenities

The interior design and feature content was a collaboration with Cooper-Hewitt, the NYC-based design museum of the Smithsonian Institution, Design Trust for Public Space, a non-profit organization, and Smart Design, a consulting firm.

Passengers in the new taxis have overhead reading lights and interior floor lighting for easy nighttime seating that also help when they are trying to locate belongings. The rear lighting is designed to help passengers locate small items, which may reduce the number of legendary stories of expensive belongings left in taxis. If a customer drops his or her wallet, keys or phone somewhere, the lights built into the floor will help with this most common of taxi problems. The lights built in above will help make handling his or her cash or credit card easier at the end of the ride.

Since the compartments of the NVTs are completely separated, they are equipped with a Hearing Loop System for the hearing impaired. The driver and passenger can communicate through a button-operated intercom system, which helps to provide clear communication.

The NVTs are also equipped with a mobile charging station that includes one regular 12V electrical outlet and two USB plugs to allow passengers to charge their phones.

Driver Features

A taxi driver’s long workday inspired Nissan designers to pay special attention to the driver’s seat design. The NV200 Taxi’s adjustable driver’s seat was designed for the driver who needs a short rest break. Drivers have a six-way adjustable driver’s seat that features recline, lumbar and seat cushion adjustments even with a partition installed. The recline feature was fitted so it does not interfere with the security partition. The NVTs are also equipped with a standard driver’s Navigation system with integrated Rearview Backup Monitor. NissanConnect^™ with Navigation provides a variety of connectivity and navigation services. They are pre-wired for T-PEP (Taxicab Passenger Enhancement Program equipment). This telematics system includes automated collection and submission of trip data, passenger information monitor, electronic message transmission capability, and acceptance of credit/debit cards. The driver compartment has separate driver’s front compartment climate controls.

The rear windshield has been outfitted with a handy emergency light that a concerned driver can illuminate that will help prompt a concerned fellow motorist. Lights at the rear of the NV200 Taxi indicate whether the taxi is occupied or not.

Safety

Nissan focused on passenger safety when designing the NV200 Taxi. All seating positions have 3-point seat belts. There are airbags for all passengers, and they are designed to work with the partition, including front and rear seat occupant curtain air bags as well as seatmounted air bags for the front row. Standard features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Intelligent Braking Assist (IBA), and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Sliding doors were added to lessen the risk of pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists getting struck by doors opening unexpectedly. Two heavyduty latches keep the doors closed in an impact and contribute to the overall structural integrity of the NV200 Taxi. It also has lights that alert other road users that taxi doors are opening. The NV200 Taxi is the first taxi to be crash-tested with full taxi gear, including the security partition between the driver and rear seat passengers.

Taxis typically are operated 24 hours in two 12-hour shifts over 5-6 days. They carry about 236 million passengers per year (1.4 passengers per trip), traveling an average of about 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometers) per trip and 70,000 miles (112,000 kilometers) per year. The entire fleet logs annually over 500 million passenger miles (800 million passenger kilometers) and nearly a billion miles (1.6 billion kilometers) when no-fare cruising is added in. Durability is a priority and so is fuel economy.

The transverse front-drive NV200 Taxi MR20DE 2.0-L 4-cylinder DOHC gasoline engine was engineered to enhance the emission performance and fuel efficiency of the taxi fleet. The engine produces up to 90% of its torque at 2400 rpm for excellent low-and mid-range response. The double overhead cam, 16-valve design enhances performance and engine efficiency by providing direct actuation of the intake and exhaust valves. It is mated to an Xtronic^® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) (FK-K2), and Nissan’s target is 24 MPG combined.

The NVT can also be equipped with the capability to accept wheelchairs. The supplier is Braun Corp., whose BraunAbility line is used by other automotive companies. Drawing on Braun’s innovation and experience in the mobility industry, Nissan provides a mobility solution to New York taxi medallion holders.

The NV200 Mobility Taxi features a rear ramp and an industry-first integrated restraint system that provides safe and quick securing of wheelchairs.

The NV200 Taxi has seating capacity for up to four passengers — three across the rear seat and one next to the driver. Because the NVT is a front-wheel drive van, the taxi floor is flat, improving center rear seat passenger comfort. The roomy, expansive cargo area can hold at least four large suitcases. Yet the NVT is only 186.2 in. (4729 mm) in length overall, which is a shorter wheelbase than a traditional sedan-based taxi.

The suspension was designed to perform well on the NYC streets. The NVT features an independent strut front suspension with a stabilizer bar and a leaf-spring rear axle. The front wheels react independently to changes in the road surface with the stabilizer bars helping to provide a smoother ride, improved driver control and optimum traction. The location and design of the stabilizer bar help keep the vehicle level during cornering and lateral moves. The solid-axle rear suspension enhances the NV200 Taxi’s load-carrying capability. The variable-rate leaf-springs provide more comfort when driving with light loads and more control when driving with heavy loads. The suspension, engineered for the taxi, was subjected to punishment at Nissan’s Arizona proving grounds on a section of potholed road originally created to assess complaints about ride comfort for Nissan cars driven in the city.

The combined weight of the engine and transmission over the drive-wheels helps improve traction on wet, snow-covered or slippery surfaces. Having all of the drivetrain components at the front of the vehicle maximizes the interior space.

If it can make it in New York...it can make it anywhere!

Many aspects of the NV200 Taxi reflect other needs for NYC operation. The horn is tuned to be minimally annoying as NYC has a law that can assess a $350 fine for a taxi that blows its horn in other than an emergency. To provide a visual aid, exterior lights will flash simultaneously. The sliding rear doors of the NVT also make it more convenient for passengers to exit into the street, which is necessary in Manhattan driving conditions where swing-out doors often are involved in accidents with cars and cyclists. Lights also illuminate when a rear door opens as a warning to cars, pedestrians and cyclists.

There is a large glass roof panel for skyscraper sightseeing. The NV200 Taxi also comes equipped with reading lights and 12V and USB ports for the passenger who needs a quick charge for his or her smart phone or other electronics as the taxi crawls through stop-and-go traffic.

Drawing on its full range of commercial vehicle experience - including providing taxis for municipalities around the world - Nissan conducted extensive testing for the Nissan NV200 Taxi prior to the vehicle going on sale, both at Nissan test centers and on New York City streets.

The Nissan NV200 Taxi is produced in North America at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

The new taxi has rear access entry steps and grab handles for the physically challenged. A handy step emerges when either sliding door is opened.