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Page 12 Remember – You saw it first in the Globe! 15 August 2012
A BOLD NEW VISION - THE NISSAN NV200
• Nissan unveils a new Hackney Carriage
• Affordable and 50% more fuel efficient, than alternative cabs
• Complies with TfL regulations - including 25ft turning circle
• All-electric e-NV200 prototype London Taxi to be tested in 2013
• Designed for superior comfort, space, convenience and accessibility
On 6th August Nissan unveiled a bold new vision for the future, NV200 London
Taxi. This new 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. Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “Improving air
quality in London is one of the most important challenges I face as Mayor. Having
taken the significant step of introducing the first age limit for taxis in London, I
am absolutely delighted that manufacturers are stepping up to the plate and are
responding to the challenge I set in my air quality strategy to reduce taxi emissions
and improve efficiency. I look forward to when a fully competitive model comes to
market.” An all-electric e-NV200 concept is also set to undergo trials in the Capital.
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’. Subject to final
testing, including a crash-test, the diesel-powered Nissan NV200 aims to receive
full London Taxi certification later this year.
The Nissan 2.7-litre TD27 diesel engine, the powertrain for LTI’s FX4 ‘Fairway’
black cab, was introduced for its improved speed, reliability and efficiency for
the London cabbie’s daily drive. The same engine also featured in the Fairway’s
successor, the TX1. The NV200 is set to build on this reputation. Designed from the
inside out for the well-being of passengers, drivers and even other road users, the
NV200 London Taxi delivers 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: “Assist UK is proud to be associated with
Nissan in the development of an accessible taxi to meet the needs of all disabled
people. We have had the opportunity to bring together experts from all fields of
disability to work with designers to ensure the vehicle will work for all in their
transport needs. The work is ongoing and future refinements are planned after the
initial launch, as many ideas have been discussed and are currently undergoing
development. 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, folddown
seats. The front passenger seat has been removed to create space for luggage.
It has sliding passenger doors, which were developed for easy open and close. The
diesel version of the Nissan NV200 London Taxi is expected to be competitively
priced below the new TX4 and will be available through a designated ‘specialist’
Nissan dealer.
RUNNING COSTS
Nissan’s NV200 promises significantly improved running costs, with the frugal
1.5 dCi 89 HP EuroV, 6-speed manual drivetrain achieves 53.3mpg on a combined
cycle. Nissan believes that over the course of a year, NV200 London Taxi drivers
would spend around 50% less - about £700 - on fuel than TX4 drivers. Exact
specifications will not be known until further testing is carried out; these are
figures based on estimates and specification figures of existing NV200 van. 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. More importantly, the harmful NOx and
PM (particulate) gases on which authorities are seeking particular improvement in
‘clean air’ legislation, would be reduced by an estimated 135 metric tonnes and 20
metric tonnes per year.
An all electric version could have an even bigger impact on London’s air quality.
Having been the first car manufacturer to mass produce a 100% electric family car
with its trail-blazing Nissan LEAF, Nissan could cement its place at the forefront
of motoring technology with the introduction of an all-electric e-NV200 London
Taxi. With running costs estimated to be around one fifth of a conventional, dieselpowered
Hackney Carriage it is likely to be popular with drivers too.
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 design process for the NV200 London Taxi was
exhaustive and will be further improved. In addition to ensuring drivers would
be comfortable spending extended hours behind the wheel, we’ve had to consider
every user for this vehicle - there are no specific customer profiles in the back of
a London cab. Adults, children, business professionals, foreign visitors, disabled
travellers - they’re all potential customers. We’ve even considered those who might
never get inside the taxi but who will benefit from features such as the model’s
lower CO2 emissions or the un-obstructing sliding doors.
“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.”
EXTERIOR DETAIL
The clean, functional design of the NV200 London Taxi combines styling cues
from existing Nissan passenger cars and commercial vehicles and adds a number of
unique features such as the dramatic upswept swage line that neatly frames the door
glass. This sculpted line runs around the front of the vehicle to create a dramatic
sense of movement, while the deep side windows provide enhanced visibility - an
essential quality in a busy city environment. The distinctive grille flows into the
slimline wraparound headlights, while body-coloured bumpers extend seamlessly
into the specially widened front wings to create a smooth, powerful look. The
striking extended wheel arches are unique to the London Taxi, and accommodate
the vehicle’s wider track and modified suspension and steering system.
The NV200 London Taxi also features unique front direction indicators.
Relocated into the lower half of the bumper they sit further towards the outer edges
of the vehicle and are integrated with LED daytime running lights. This gives them
greater visibility in urban traffic.
INTERIOR STYLING
To give passengers the best possible view out, the NV200 London Taxi features
large side windows that extend the full length of the vehicle. The glass area is
uninterrupted by doorframes or body pillars to create a sleek, uncluttered look.
Continuing the theme, the door handles are flush rather than proud of the bodywork.
Twin sliding doors are wide, easy to use and make it much easier for occupants
carrying large or heavy bags to get in and out. To further improve access for all
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