Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nissan's NY taxi deal faces court obstacles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/25/nissans-ny-taxi-deal-faces-court-obstacles/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/25/nissans-ny-taxi-deal-faces-court-obstacles/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/25/nissans-ny-taxi-deal-faces-court-obstacles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nissan NV200 taxi - front three-quarter view

Nissan scored a big win for itself when the NV200 was named New York City's Taxi of Tomorrow, but the compact van has been under attack ever since. The latest setback for Nissan comes from the New York Supreme Court, which has reportedly ruled the deal between NYC and Nissan is "null, void and unenforceable" since the NV200 is not a hybrid - one of the key parts of NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg Taxi of Tomorrow plan.

The NV200 Taxi launches this October. Although Nissan says it is bringing a hybrid version of the van to market in 2015, the New York Supreme Court ruled against Nissan, which opens the door for taxi companies in NYC to drive non-Nissan hybrid vehicles. Despite this setback, it doesn't sound like this ruling will affect the NV200 becoming the official taxi of NYC as a part of the 10-year contract worth an estimated $1 billion.

Nissan's NY taxi deal faces court obstacles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabhybrid taxinew york citynew york taxinissannissan nv200nissan nv200 taxinyctaxitaxi cabtaxi of tomorrowSat, 25 May 2013 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20582231/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/25/nissans-ny-taxi-deal-faces-court-obstacles/20582231/article-detail.xml 20582231 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-nv200-taxi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-nv200-taxi.jpg <![CDATA[Some NY cabs could avoid hybrid ban]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/some-ny-cabs-could-avoid-hybrid-ban/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/some-ny-cabs-could-avoid-hybrid-ban/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/some-ny-cabs-could-avoid-hybrid-ban/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nissan NV200

The Nissan NV200 is having a rough go of it as New York City's Taxi of Tomorrow. The Greater New York Taxi Association wants the van banned on the grounds that it isn't a hybrid, and has gone so far as to sue the city to keep the NV200 out of taxi fleets. According to The New York Times, the city has responded by proposing to allow taxi drivers to use certain hybrid vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission's proposal would allow any vehicle with an interior volume of 138 cubic feet or more. Unfortunately, that excludes nearly every machine that isn't the size of the NV200.

Technically, Nissan is working on a hybrid version of the Taxi of Tomorrow, but it may be years before that model hits the streets, and the Greater New York Taxi Association isn't satisfied with the city's offer. In a statement, the Association said, "These rules look like they have been created to short-circuit the litigation. We do not consider this to be a serious proposal."

Some NY cabs could avoid hybrid ban originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greater new york taxi associationnew york taxi and limousine commissionnissannissan nv200taxitaxi of tomorrowFri, 05 Apr 2013 08:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20527092/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/some-ny-cabs-could-avoid-hybrid-ban/20527092/article-detail.xml 20527092 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-nv200-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-nv200-628.jpg <![CDATA[Check out this sneaky NYPD cop car disguised as a yellow cab]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/check-out-this-sneaky-nypd-cop-car-disguised-as-a-yellow-cab/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/check-out-this-sneaky-nypd-cop-car-disguised-as-a-yellow-cab/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/check-out-this-sneaky-nypd-cop-car-disguised-as-a-yellow-cab/#commentsFiled under: , ,



That's no ordinary New York City yellow taxi in the image above; it's a police cruiser for the New York City Police Department dressed up like an NYC yellow taxi. Captured in a short video on a Manhattan street corner, it is escorting an NYPD van behind it.

They don't just use Crown Vics, either: NYC The Blog has video from two years ago of a motorist being pulled over by a Nissan Altima taxi. The blog also lets you know how to tell an undercover police cab from a proper taxi by comparing the license plate number to the medallion number on the cab's roof - not that it would do you any good in your rearview mirror, though.

When the post was written two and a half years ago it was said that there were only eight such taxis prowling the naked city, and that their plates all began with "T800." That's not the case with the taxi in the video below, so we wouldn't be surprised if the number has grown and now there are even more people in more places keeping an eye on you.

Continue reading Check out this sneaky NYPD cop car disguised as a yellow cab

Check out this sneaky NYPD cop car disguised as a yellow cab originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new york citynew york police departmentnycnyc taxinypdpolicetaxiundercovervideovideosyellow cabyoutubeTue, 26 Feb 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20478997/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/26/check-out-this-sneaky-nypd-cop-car-disguised-as-a-yellow-cab/20478997/article-detail.xml 20478997 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/undercovernypdtaxi2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/undercovernypdtaxi2.jpg <![CDATA[Two die in Peru when taxi collides with Dakar Rally support vehicle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dakar Rally route 2013

Dakar Rally organizers report a support vehicle and two taxis were involved in an accident on January 9. The support vehicle collided head-on with a taxi carrying six people, while the second taxi, carrying four people, overturned several times in an attempt to avoid the accident. Seven people were injured and are now being treated in a hospital in Tacna, Peru, including three occupants of the support vehicle. Tragically, the driver and one passenger in the first taxi died of injuries sustained in the crash. Three local ambulances, a fire engine and local police all responded to the scene.

Peruvian police have also supplied a helicopter to transport the seriously injured from Tacna to a hospital in Peru. Local law enforcement has begun an investigation into the cause of the accident. You can read the brief press release from the Dakar Rally below for more information.

Continue reading Two die in Peru when taxi collides with Dakar Rally support vehicle

Two die in Peru when taxi collides with Dakar Rally support vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakardakar 2013dakar crashdakar rallydakar rally crashperu taxi crashtaxitaxi crashThu, 10 Jan 2013 19:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20425491/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/20425491/article-detail.xml 20425491 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dakar-2013_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dakar-2013.jpg <![CDATA[Hybrid taxi drivers find fuel efficiency paying off after Sandy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/03/hybrid-taxi-drivers-find-fuel-efficiency-paying-off-after-sandy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/03/hybrid-taxi-drivers-find-fuel-efficiency-paying-off-after-sandy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/03/hybrid-taxi-drivers-find-fuel-efficiency-paying-off-after-sandy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid NYC Taxi

One of the major side effects of the power outrages in New York and New Jersey following hurricane Sandy is gas stations' difficulty getting fuel to customers. Shortages have led to seemingly endless gas lines, and in all of this, hybrids have shown their inherent value.

Business Insider says that hybrids are proving to be advantageous for many New York City taxi drivers. The NYC cab fleet is currently a mix of hybrid vehicles and comparatively fuel-hungry Ford Crown Victoria sedans. According to the report, at many taxi companies, cars are assigned to drivers first-come, first-serve, so what they're driving on a given day comes down to the luck of the draw.

One cab driver said that refueling a the V8-powered Ford costs about $45 a day, while the the hybrid taxis can go a couple days before needing to gas up. It's suspected that the Crown Vic drivers, forced to go to great lengths to refuel, will not be reimbursed for their efforts.

Hybrid taxi drivers find fuel efficiency paying off after Sandy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Nov 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabcrown viccrown victoriaford crown victoriahurricane sandynew york citynycsandytaxiyellow cabSat, 03 Nov 2012 12:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20369117/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/03/hybrid-taxi-drivers-find-fuel-efficiency-paying-off-after-sandy/20369117/article-detail.xml 20369117 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nyctaxicamryhybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nyctaxicamryhybrid.jpg <![CDATA[How Nissan found the right yellow for NYC's Taxi of Tomorrow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/how-nissan-found-the-right-yellow-for-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/how-nissan-found-the-right-yellow-for-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/how-nissan-found-the-right-yellow-for-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan's NV200

No matter where you go in New York City, yellow taxi cabs speckle the landscape, and the newly named Taxi of Tomorrow will certainly help continue this trend. After winning the bid to supply the Big Apple's iconic taxis, Nissan designers based in San Diego, California spent about a year coming up with the perfect shade of yellow to use on the 2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi when it starts picking up NYC fares in October 2013.

As you can see in the image above, Nissan's yellow is much lighter than some of the other current NYC taxis which Francois Farion, of Nissan Color and Design Strategy, maintains makes the NV Taxi look fresher than existing hues that offer a more orange, aged look. In the video, Farion says Nissan explored going with a color other than yellow for its new NV200 Taxi, but it sounds like the governing body of New York cabs, the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, quickly put the kibosh on that idea.

Stuck with yellow, Nissan then looked to find a shade that took paint availability, ease of repair and cost into consideration to make sure the vans are easy to fix and keep up. One of the rejected yellows had more of a shimmer which would have made it more difficult (most likely being harder to blend or match) for cab companies to repair.

Scroll down to check out Nissan's video and press releases.

Continue reading How Nissan found the right yellow for NYC's Taxi of Tomorrow

How Nissan found the right yellow for NYC's Taxi of Tomorrow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 nissan nv taxi2014 nissan nv200 taxinew yorknew york city taxinissannvnv200nv200 taxinycnyc taxinyc taxi and limousine commissiontaxitaxi of tomorrowvideoWed, 26 Sep 2012 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20330477/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/26/how-nissan-found-the-right-yellow-for-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow/20330477/article-detail.xml 20330477 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/nissan-nv-taxi-1348457409_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/nissan-nv-taxi-1348457409.jpg <![CDATA[Irish cabs installing video cameras to guard against false rape allegations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/irish-cabs-installing-video-cameras-to-guard-against-false-rape/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/irish-cabs-installing-video-cameras-to-guard-against-false-rape/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/irish-cabs-installing-video-cameras-to-guard-against-false-rape/#commentsFiled under: ,



While installing video cameras in taxicabs is nothing new for reality television producers - witness the voyeuristic Taxicab Confessions, and the downright delightful Cash Cab - hack drivers in Derry, Northern Ireland have gone high-tech for considerably more practical, and darker reasons.

Following an incident in which a drunken passenger attempted to grab the steering wheel while the car was in motion, one savvy Irish cabbie installed a closed circuit television system into his taxi. The move apparently paid off, as the driver in question was later attacked by another fare, and has successfully used footage from the camera to help prosecute his assailant.

Customer-on-cabbie violence isn't the only reason that some of Derry's largest taxi companies, along with many individual drivers, are going the CCTV route. After at least one failed accusation of rape last year, drivers believe that in-car cameras will give them evidence of professional behavior, as well as offering a higher sense of security to their female passengers.

Jarlath Malone, proprietor of Derry cab company Foyle Delta, said, "I know a lot of drivers who will not work at night because of fears of being attacked or robbed but the biggest fear they have is of being falsely accused of rape."

Irish cabs installing video cameras to guard against false rape allegations originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black cabcabcctvnorthern irelandrape allegationstaxiWed, 05 Sep 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20315912/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/05/irish-cabs-installing-video-cameras-to-guard-against-false-rape/20315912/article-detail.xml 20315912 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/black-cab-taxi-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/black-cab-taxi-628.jpg <![CDATA['AXI' dropped from NYC taxis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/axi-dropped-from-nyc-taxis/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/axi-dropped-from-nyc-taxis/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/axi-dropped-from-nyc-taxis/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Toyota Prius V New York City Taxi

Oh, how we love "rebranding." From the stumblebums at The Gap to the desperate deckhands on the Microsoft Titanic, needlessly changing your logo is all the rage these days, so we shouldn't be surprised to see the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission join in on the fun by eliminating the word "taxi" from the city's cabs. That's right, while they'll still be yellow and hailing one will still prove challenging for out-of-towners, New York's taxis will now be identified by a yellow capital "T" in a black circle.

2012 Toyota Prius V New York City Taxi with old logoAccording to The New York Times, besides their "axi," cabs will also be losing their passenger door fare panel - the information will be displayed on the cab's video screen instead. The subtle shift in design is the result of New York's Taxi of Tomorrow program, in which the Nissan NV200 was picked to become the city's exclusive taxi vehicle, starting next year. The t-in-a-circle logo was created by Smart Design.

David S. Yassky, the Taxi and Limousine Commission Chairman, responded to questions about whether people would be able to identify the new cabs by saying, "Even the greenest of greenhorns will know that it's a taxicab," according to the report.

'AXI' dropped from NYC taxis originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new york citynew york city taxiNew York City Taxi Limousine Commissionnissannvnv200nv200 taxinyctaxitaxi logotaxi of tomorrowtaxicabThu, 23 Aug 2012 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20307677/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/23/axi-dropped-from-nyc-taxis/20307677/article-detail.xml 20307677 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-toyota-prius-v-taxi-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-toyota-prius-v-taxi-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Check out Nissan's NV200 in London black cab livery [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/check-out-nissans-nv200-in-london-black-cab-livery-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/check-out-nissans-nv200-in-london-black-cab-livery-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/check-out-nissans-nv200-in-london-black-cab-livery-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Nissan NV200 London 'black cab'

The little black cab is to London what the yellow Ford Crown Victoria has been up to New York City. With the departure of Ford's Panther platform, Nissan has stepped in with its all-new NV200, which will soon be spreading like kudzu over NYC streets. It seems that London may also share the Big Apple's fate in adopting Nissan's new minivan as its taxi of choice.

The NV200 will scoot around London's tight city streets with the help of a 1.5-liter inline four, making 89 horsepower, but more importantly, returning 53 miles per gallon. That fuel-efficent engine also results in a 50-percent dropoff in CO2 emissions compared to the older cabs. It also meets the requirement of having a turning radius of 25 feet or less.

In terms of the rider's experience, the NV200 looks to be a vast improvement. The sliding doors provide easier access on either side of the vehicle, which has seating for five. The front passenger seat has been removed in favor of extra storage space, and there's a USB charging port located in the passenger cabin.

Nissan says its NV200 complies with all handicap regulations and has been approved by the London Taxi Drivers Association and disability groups, and that it will be priced "significantly below" the London Taxi Company's TX4, the current version of the UK's iconic black cab.

All well and good, but can it be turned into a hotel room? We shall see. Check out Nissan's new cab in the videos available by scrolling down.

Continue reading Check out Nissan's NV200 in London black cab livery [w/video]

Check out Nissan's NV200 in London black cab livery [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black cabliverylondonlondon taxinew taxinissannissan nvnissan nv200nissan vannv200taxivanvideoMon, 06 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20294001/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/06/check-out-nissans-nv200-in-london-black-cab-livery-w-video/20294001/article-detail.xml 20294001 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lodon-taxi-nv200-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lodon-taxi-nv200-628.jpg <![CDATA[NYC about to get 2,000 more taxis... does it need them?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/05/nyc-about-to-get-2-000-more-taxis-does-it-need-them/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/05/nyc-about-to-get-2-000-more-taxis-does-it-need-them/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/05/nyc-about-to-get-2-000-more-taxis-does-it-need-them/#commentsFiled under: , ,

New York taxis

New York City is looking to add 2,000 more taxis to its streets, which should help transportation-challenged pedestrians hail a cab quicker. Or will it?

NPR asked transport economist Charles Komanoff his opinion of the plan and his take isn't so positive. Sure, he says, 2,000 more cabs should make it easier to get a ride, but more cars means more traffic. And not just more traffic, but more constant traffic. While private cars eventually reach their destinations and park, taxis take up precious road space 24 hours a day. That slows down all traffic including buses, cars, other taxis, etc.

Komanoff estimates the city's traffic would move at least 12-percent slower. You'll be able to catch a cab about 60 seconds faster, but take more time than before to reach your destination. His figures show the slowdown could cost the city about $500 million a year in lost time. Which kinda negates the one-time $1 billion the city expects to make from auctioning the 2,000 new cab licenses.

But the plan to add more cabs is being held up by a lawsuit. Not by residents afraid of getting around town slower, but by the cabbies themselves. More cabs equals more competition.

In the video below, Komanoff gives a brief and interesting history of traffic in New York City.

Continue reading NYC about to get 2,000 more taxis... does it need them?

NYC about to get 2,000 more taxis... does it need them? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new yorknew york taxinew york taxisnew+york+citynewyorkcityny taxiny taxisnyc+taxinyctaxitaxitransportation+of+nyctransportationofnycSun, 05 Aug 2012 17:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20292878/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/05/nyc-about-to-get-2-000-more-taxis-does-it-need-them/20292878/article-detail.xml 20292878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ny-taxis_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ny-taxis.jpg <![CDATA[Cabbie converts London taxi into Olympic hotel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

London taxi hotel

We don't know what kind of person would want to be traveling in London right now. With the Olympics in town, the city has become besieged with tourists, athletes and officials. The price of hotel rooms have skyrocketed, and the presence of Olympic-only bus lanes have locked up everyone else, who must share the road. The length of a cab ride has jumped tremendously.

It must be a maddening experience, but one London taxi driver has found a solution that benefits both he and at least one tourist per night. David Weekes has turned his taxi into a hotel room, and for $75 a night one guest can stay in the back seat of his London Taxi TX4. It comes equipped with mattress, bedding, alarm clock, and a Paddington Bear.

Due to the difficulties of being a taxi driver during the Olympics, many have contemplated leaving town until the games are over. Weekes, on the other hand, offers tourists relief from the high hotel rates.

The taxi remains in his driveway overnight, and if you need to use the restroom, simply knock on his door. It's all part of the unique living experience. So is getting driven to your hotel room, in your hotel room. Scroll down to watch a video from CNN.

Continue reading Cabbie converts London taxi into Olympic hotel

Cabbie converts London taxi into Olympic hotel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinhackney carriagehotellondonolympicstaxitx4Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20288839/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/20288839/article-detail.xml 20288839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/londoncab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/londoncab.jpg <![CDATA[Mini Canada's former ad agency selling one last car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/14/ex-mini-ad-agency-selling-one-last-car-on-its-way-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/14/ex-mini-ad-agency-selling-one-last-car-on-its-way-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/14/ex-mini-ad-agency-selling-one-last-car-on-its-way-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



It isn't always kittens and cotton candy when a client splits with an advertising agency, especially at the end of a long relationship. If either side makes a statement at all, it's usually full of platitudes and the kind of celebrity divorce tone that leads you to wonder, "What happened there?"

There's none of that after Mini Canada separated from its agency of ten years, Taxi in Toronto - well, almost none of it. Instead, Taxi is taking its own 2008 Mini, the one it displayed in its boardroom, for one final publicity splurge by auctioning it on eBay and donating the proceeds to Toronto's Covenant House. It is an excellent way to go.

At the time of writing the bidding is up to $10,500 Canadian (about the same in U.S. dollars). Have a look below for a few samples of Taxi's work for Mini over the years, and head over to eBay to get in on the charity action.

Continue reading Mini Canada's former ad agency selling one last car

Mini Canada's former ad agency selling one last car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jul 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad agencyadvertisingauctioncanadacharityebayminitaxitaxi ad agencytaxi of torontoSat, 14 Jul 2012 16:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276511/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/14/ex-mini-ad-agency-selling-one-last-car-on-its-way-out/20276511/article-detail.xml 20276511 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/taximini_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/taximini.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar debuts XJ Sport and Speed Nürburgring taxi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/jaguar-debuts-xj-sport-and-speed-nurburgring-taxi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/jaguar-debuts-xj-sport-and-speed-nurburgring-taxi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/jaguar-debuts-xj-sport-and-speed-nurburgring-taxi/#comments Jaguar XJ Supersport Ring Taxi

Those looking to get around the Nürburgring with a quickness will soon be able to hop into a Jaguar XJ. The luxury automaker has announced it will bolster its fleet at the infamous German track with the addition of an XJ Supersport. The-510 horsepower sedan will feature a few tweaks to set it apart from its kin, including matte grey paint and both the Sport and Speed packages. The latter of those two nudges the vehicle's top speed from 155 to 174 miles per hour. Jaguar also nixed the standard leather seats for a set of four race buckets, each with their own four-point harnesses.

A full roll cage also takes care of keeping everyone safe as they rocket around Green Hell. The XJ Supersport will begin giving Jaguar fans rides around the Nurburgring at speed sometime soon. Scroll down for the full press release.

Continue reading Jaguar debuts XJ Sport and Speed Nürburgring taxi

Jaguar debuts XJ Sport and Speed Nürburgring taxi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2012 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jaguarjaguar xj supersportjaguar xj supersport ring taxinurburgringnurburgring taxiring taxisupersporttaxixjMon, 07 May 2012 08:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20232157/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/07/jaguar-debuts-xj-sport-and-speed-nurburgring-taxi/20232157/article-detail.xml 20232157 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-jaguar-xj-supersport-ring-taxi-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-jaguar-xj-supersport-ring-taxi-628.jpg <![CDATA[New York City rolls out new apple green Boro Taxi fleet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/new-york-city-rolls-out-new-apple-green-boro-taxi-fleet/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/new-york-city-rolls-out-new-apple-green-boro-taxi-fleet/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/new-york-city-rolls-out-new-apple-green-boro-taxi-fleet/#commentsFiled under: ,

NYC Boro Taxi announcement ceremony

Yellow cabs are synonymous with New York. It doesn't matter if it's an old Ford Crown Victoria, an even older Checker Cab or the new Nissan NV200: paint it that deep yellow and put a dome light on it, and you're looking at a New York taxicab. But the Big Apple is about to get a new type of taxi, painted a different color altogether.

We're talking about the new Boro Taxi which the city's Taxi & Limousine Commission has just launched. Targeted at New York's outer boroughs - Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island (as well as Northern Manhattan) - the Boro Taxis can take just about any vehicle you'd expect to see in yellow (including the NV200), painted a bright shade of "apple green" (that looks like matte lime to our eyes) and put them on the streets of the outer boroughs exclusively where it's notoriously difficult to hail a cab.

The color was apparently chosen to stand out from existing vehicles on New York City roads, including private automobiles (because who would paint their own car that color?), police and emergency vehicles and traditional yellow cabs. The first 6,000 of the 18,000 permits will be issued by the commission starting in June. So the next time you're looking to hail a ride in New York anywhere but Manhattan, look for this shade of green and raise your hand.

Continue reading New York City rolls out new apple green Boro Taxi fleet

New York City rolls out new apple green Boro Taxi fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2012 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple greenboroboro taxiboroughcabgreen appleliverynew yorknew york citynew york taxinissannissan nv200nvnyctaxitaxicabWed, 02 May 2012 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20228434/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/02/new-york-city-rolls-out-new-apple-green-boro-taxi-fleet/20228434/article-detail.xml 20228434 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/boro-taxi3web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/boro-taxi3web.jpg <![CDATA[How Nissan's NYC taxi contract may be a ticket to Hollywood fame]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/21/how-nissans-nyc-taxi-contract-may-be-a-ticket-to-hollywood-fame/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/21/how-nissans-nyc-taxi-contract-may-be-a-ticket-to-hollywood-fame/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/21/how-nissans-nyc-taxi-contract-may-be-a-ticket-to-hollywood-fame/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi - profile

"So here's the pitch. It's a movie about a car. But it's not really about a car. It's about something else. What that is isn't important. But it's got a car in it. Not just one car, but lots of cars. Thousands of them actually. And they're in almost every scene. But only in the background. And get this: They're all... wait for it... yellow! And the best part is, we don't have to pay anything for it, in fact, they're going to pay us to put our cars in the movie. And it's going to make our cars famous. But that's not all. Imagine this: It's not just one movie, but a hundred movies. And TV shows. Thousands and thousands of hours of entertainment, and our new Nissan NV200 is going to be the star! Okay, not the star, but an extra. A bright yellow extra. I'm telling you, this idea - it can't fail!

At least that's the thesis floated by Automotive News to help explain why Nissan is so stoked over winning the Taxi of Tomorrow contract with its NV200 compact van. Beginning in late 2013, the entire New York City taxi fleet will be converting to Nissan's aesthetically challenged people mover, which will replace the ubiquitous Ford Crown Victoria.

Whether this leads to any burnishing of the Nissan brand remains to be seen, but regardless, AN says the contract is worth 40,000 units in New York alone over the next 10 years. We have to expect that at least some taxi companies outside of the Big Apple won't be shy about ponying up the thirty-large Nissan is asking for its Mexican-made cab either, as the day when every last Ford Crown Victoria extant has joined the Checker Marathon in cabbie Valhalla is certainly coming.

How Nissan's NYC taxi contract may be a ticket to Hollywood fame originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 nissan nv2002014 nissan nv200 taxinew york citynissannissan nvnv200nv200 taxitaxitaxi cabtaxi of tomorrowSat, 21 Apr 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20219693/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/21/how-nissans-nyc-taxi-contract-may-be-a-ticket-to-hollywood-fame/20219693/article-detail.xml 20219693 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/04-2014-nissan-nv200-taxi-ny-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/04-2014-nissan-nv200-taxi-ny-opt.jpg <![CDATA[VPG Autos MV-1 Taxi will leave the light on for you]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/vpg-autos-mv-1-taxi-new-york-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/vpg-autos-mv-1-taxi-new-york-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/vpg-autos-mv-1-taxi-new-york-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

VPG Autos MV-1 Taxi - New York Auto Show live reveal

The streets of Gotham are about to look a lot different. After being inundated with legions of bulky Ford Crown Victoria and the occasional Toyota Sienna or Prius for years, New York City's hack pool is slated to get a fresh crop of yellow ugly thanks to its "Taxi of Tomorrow" program.

Chief among those vehicles figures to be the Nissan NV200 Taxi, also unveiled at this week's New York Auto Show, but the Japanese automaker isn't the sole manufacturer to be in the good graces of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. The 2013 MV-1 seen here has also gained approval, and its maker, the snappily named Vehicle Production Group, notes that this is the first purpose-built vehicle to gain the board's approval since the Checker Cab.

And not only is the MV-1 purpose-built for taxi duty, it was designed with the Americans with Disabilities Act in mind - the square-rigged design is built around a 56-inch by 36-inch door for wheelchair access, and VPG will fit MV-1s with either manual or power ramps as requested. The American-made, body-on-frame MV-1 will also be available powered by Compressed Natural Gas.

It remains to be seen how many taxi companies are eager to buy vehicles from a startup automaker, but VPG says it has approval for up to 13,000 units. We imagine much of the MV-1's success will come down to pricing and reliability, as well as acceptance of the vehicle's unusual appearance. Of course, Nissan's new NV doesn't look like it will be contending for any design laurels, either...

VPG Autos MV-1 Taxi will leave the light on for you originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americans with disabilities actcabliverymv-1new yorknew york 2012new york auto shownew york taxitaxitaxi cabtaxi of tomorrowvehicle production groupvpg mv-1Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20209608/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/06/vpg-autos-mv-1-taxi-new-york-2012/20209608/article-detail.xml 20209608 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/vpg-mv-1-taxi-ny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/vpg-mv-1-taxi-ny.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi brings convenience, comfort, safety and homeliness to Gotham]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/2014-nissan-nv200-taxi-new-york-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/2014-nissan-nv200-taxi-new-york-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/2014-nissan-nv200-taxi-new-york-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi debuts live at New York Auto Show

Attendees at the New York Auto Show are getting their first hands-on look at the all-new 2014 Nissan NV200, the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission's choice to replace much of its taxi fleet beginning in late 2013. "The Nissan NV 200 unveiled today will be the safest, most comfortable and most convenient taxi the City has ever had," said New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at a pre-show event last night. "New York City cabs have always been iconic, and now they will set a new standard. The 600,000 passengers who use taxis to get around every day deserve the cutting-edge technology and top-of-the-line safety features that this model delivers."

The compact front-wheel drive yellow vans, fitted with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder for fuel efficiency, are loaded with features designed to keep four passengers and the driver on the other side of the partition smiling. Grab handles and sliding doors ease entry while a transparent roof panel and independently controlled rear air conditioning allows paying fares a comfortable, panoramic view of the city. Throw in mobile charging stations, antimicrobial upholstery and active carbon headliner to absorb odors, and an amusingly named "low annoyance horn" and Nissan just may have a winner on its hands - assuming cab companies and their fares embrace the rather frumpy looking things.

Nissan will build its 2014 NV200 Taxi in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Base price, with all planned standard features, will be approximately $29,700.

Continue reading 2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi brings convenience, comfort, safety and homeliness to Gotham

2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi brings convenience, comfort, safety and homeliness to Gotham originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 nissan nv200 taxicabnew yorknew york 2012new york auto shownew york taxinissannissan cabnissan nvnissan taxinvnv200taxitaxi cabtaxi of tomorrowWed, 04 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20208250/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/04/2014-nissan-nv200-taxi-new-york-2012/20208250/article-detail.xml 20208250 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/03-2014-nissan-nv200-taxi-ny-1333552591_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/03-2014-nissan-nv200-taxi-ny-1333552591.jpg <![CDATA[Mexico finally stomping out its fleet of VW Bug taxis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mexico-finally-stomping-out-its-fleet-of-vw-bug-taxis/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mexico-finally-stomping-out-its-fleet-of-vw-bug-taxis/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mexico-finally-stomping-out-its-fleet-of-vw-bug-taxis/#commentsFiled under: , ,

VW Beetle taxis in Mexico City

If you've ever wanted to flag down one of Mexico City's classic Volkswagen Bug taxis, you'd better book your travel now. The last of the iconic cabs will be decommissioned by the end of the year, according to the Associated Press.

VW hasn't built the classic Beetle since 2003, the same year that Mexico City began requiring that taxi operators switch to four-door vehicles. The last Bugs that entered service as cabs back in 2002 have already been given two extra years of service compared to most taxis, according to the report.

The cabs are considered particularly dangerous, not just because they are essentially 74-year-old cars, but also because cab drivers generally remove the front passenger seat to facilitate access to the cramped rear quarters of the Beetle. But the cars are cheap to operate and according to one former Mexico City cabbie, help make the streets safer.

"Today the cars are bigger, and they drive faster," Vera Perez told the AP, "Before, they drove more cautiously, because any accident would destroy them."

Mexico finally stomping out its fleet of VW Bug taxis originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetle taxibugmexicomexico citymexico city taxitaxitaxi cabvolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen bugvwvw beetlevw bugTue, 13 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20191128/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/13/mexico-finally-stomping-out-its-fleet-of-vw-bug-taxis/20191128/article-detail.xml 20191128 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mexico-city-taxis-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mexico-city-taxis-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ontario seizes pair of taxi cabs for street racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/ontario-siezes-pair-of-taxi-cabs-for-street-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/ontario-siezes-pair-of-taxi-cabs-for-street-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/ontario-siezes-pair-of-taxi-cabs-for-street-racing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toronto Cab Racing

Two taxi drivers in Toronto recently found themselves on the wrong side of the law after officers stopped the duo for illegal "stunt driving." The drivers had their Chevrolet Impala taxis impounded and their licenses revoked for seven days after officers busted the two street racing early on the evening of January 25. The Toronto police haven't released any details about what spurred the two to show down on Younge Street, Canada's longest, or the drivers' ages. In addition, their employers are keeping their mouths shut about whether or not the duo will continue to have jobs after their mandatory license suspension lifts in a week.

According to our neighbors to the north, Younge Street once had a bustling street racing scene. Regardless of whether these two were settling an old score or just horsing around, running light to light near the crowded Dundas Square area is a recipe for disaster. Hit the jump to check out a video of the news report for yourself.

Continue reading Ontario seizes pair of taxi cabs for street racing

Ontario seizes pair of taxi cabs for street racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet impalaimpalaontarioreckless drivingtaxitaxi drivertorontovideoThu, 26 Jan 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157721/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/26/ontario-siezes-pair-of-taxi-cabs-for-street-racing/20157721/article-detail.xml 20157721 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cab-racing-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cab-racing-628.jpg <![CDATA[Guadalajara taxi service ups its game with Ferrari and Porsche]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/guadalajara-taxi-service-ups-its-game-with-ferrari-and-porsche/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/guadalajara-taxi-service-ups-its-game-with-ferrari-and-porsche/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/guadalajara-taxi-service-ups-its-game-with-ferrari-and-porsche/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Ferrari Taxi video screen cap

Trident gave a few unsuspecting taxi passengers the ride of their lives in Guadalajara. In a promotion for the company's new Twist gum, Trident swapped out one taxi company's standard Nissan Sentra/Tsuru cabs with a Ferrari F430 Spider and a Porsche Panamera. Both vehicles were suitably decked out in yellow with a field of checkers. The cabs even came equipped with all the right lights to be legal, though seeing a cabbie wearing a full-on race helmet would give us a moment's pause before hopping in inside.

We're a bit surprised to see just how quickly these performance machines darted around town, though this isn't the first time we've seen wild taxi rides. As you may recall, Red Bull released Scott Speed and his NASCAR racer on Chicago for a little high-octane fun not too long ago. Hit the jump to see the Ferrari and Porsche frolic through the streets of Guadalajara.

Continue reading Guadalajara taxi service ups its game with Ferrari and Porsche

Guadalajara taxi service ups its game with Ferrari and Porsche originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f430ferrariferrari f430 spiderferrari taxipanameraporscheporsche panameraporsche taxitaxitaxi videotridenttrident gumvideoThu, 08 Dec 2011 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20123951/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/08/guadalajara-taxi-service-ups-its-game-with-ferrari-and-porsche/20123951/article-detail.xml 20123951 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/ferrari-taxi-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/ferrari-taxi-628.jpg -1 2