Ford continued the renovation of its commercial van segment this weekend, introducing its all-new 2014 Transit Connect Taxi, providing best-in-class performance, low operating costs, and improved comfort and flexibility for the North American taxi market.
Engineered to Ford’s light-truck commercial durability standards, the taxi was unveiled today at the 2013 International Association of Transportation Regulators Conference in St. Louis.
“We’re leveraging our longtime leadership and expertise in the North American taxi market to ensure Transit Connect Taxi exceeds the expectations of taxi operators and their passengers,” said Tim Stoehr, commercial truck marketing manager for Ford. “Transit Connect Taxi has been popular in major metropolitan cities since it debuted in 2010, and it has only gotten better.”
The 2014 Ford Transit Connect Taxi comes with a new powertrain – the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new, fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmission – providing drivers with quick response as well as durability, low-rpm cruising and an expected best-in-class highway fuel economy rating.
Additionally, Ford says its Transit Connect will be the only taxi offered with a compressed natural gas/liquefied petroleum gas engine prep package.
The second-generation Transit Connect Taxi is also longer, offering seating for five and increased cargo capacity. The vehicle’s cargo space accommodates a compressed gas tank, while leaving room for luggage and passenger headroom and legroom. It features an anticipated best-in-class 60.5 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row.
“The new Transit Connect Taxi has been designed with the for-hire transportation driver and their passengers in mind, creating a product that combines stylish looks and improved comfort with legendary Built Ford Tough quality,” said Gerald Koss, fleet marketing manager for Ford.
Ford Transit Connect Taxi uses a modern, durable twist-beam rear suspension, the vehicle’s floor has been lowered for improved access to the cabin, and can be modified to be wheelchair-accessible through Ford’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier program.
The 2014 Ford Transit Connect Taxi will go into production and arrive in dealerships by early next year.
