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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 Website: www.taxiglobe.info – To advertise in the most independent newspaper – Telephone – 01778 391189 Editorial – 01707 885439
15 August 2012 Remember – You saw it first in the Globe! Page 13 LONDON TAXI passengers, the left-hand door aperture has been enlarged (30mm increase in width, 20mm in height) to meet the requirements of wheelchair users. As a result of this modification, the NV200 London Taxi meets all TfL regulations in regard to access, and has been approved by disability group Assist UK. The organisation has been involved at numerous stages in the vehicle’s development, and has provided the design and engineering team valuable feedback. At the rear, the NV200 London Taxi has practical twin loading doors split 70/30. These give access to a large luggage area that can be altered by sliding the seat units backwards and forwards. The seating follows a conventional London Taxi five-seater layout with a rear bench (capable of accommodating three passengers) and two rear-facing, folddown seats opposite. However, the NV200 differs from traditional London Taxis by having the rear bench split 70/30 and mounted on tracks. This allows for much greater cabin flexibility, as the two seat units can be moved independently to accommodate large or awkwardly shaped luggage. This facility also has benefits when carrying passengers in wheelchairs as it creates more floor area in which to turn and manoeuvre. To free up even more luggage space, the front passenger seat has been removed. The two rearward-facing seats are attached to a new driver bulkhead that separates the driver from the passenger compartment. Constructed from steel and plastic, this reinforced divide has a dog-leg shape that creates extra legroom and further aids the loading of a wheelchair. The bulkhead also incorporates mountings for the seatbelts, along with fixing points to enable a wheelchair to be secured. An easy-touse loading ramp has been developed and can be stored within the cabin. The NV200 London Taxi has a large panoramic glass roof. Measuring 1.2m by 1.2m, it gives passengers an unrivalled view of the sky above and has the added advantage of providing more headroom. The cabin lighting control switch has been installed in the approved position, while a door-activated floor lighting system has been developed, fitted and approved. Even the seat facings have been developed specifically for use in taxis. Not only do they feature high-visibility yellow panels at their leading edges, they are also finished in a special hard-wearing material that is easy to clean. The front of the vehicle offers drivers a comfortable and well-appointed ‘office’ in which to conduct a day’s work. Designed to offer long-distance comfort for professional users, the design of the driving environment has been carefully thoughtout. The cabin abounds with clever touches, such as card holders on the backs of the sun visors; trays within the centre console storage area; and a convenience hook for hanging goods. The door pockets are large enough to hold two A4-sized map books, while a secret compartment within the glovebox can house valuables out of sight. The instrument panel houses one of the most comprehensive trip computers available anywhere. As well as the more usual pieces of information - fuel consumption, service intervals, mileage displays etc - the computer can be programmed by the driver to provide a helpful shift-up display. Another crucial feature for any hard working cabbie is Bluetooth connectivity. This is fitted as standard and allows for hand-free operation of most compatible phones. TURNING CIRCLE, DRIVETRAIN AND CHASSIS • Modified suspension and steering system to achieve required 25ft turning circle • Unique ‘steering knuckle’ strut design delivers greater wheel articulation • Electric power steering for efficiency and ease of use at low speeds • Frugal and clean 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel engines • Potential savings of over £650 for taxi drivers covering 22k miles a year In order to meet the CoF requirement for a 25ft (7.62m) turning circle, the NV200’s entire front suspension and steering assembly has been redesigned. Developed and engineered by an engineering team at Vectayn in the UK, the new system allows for greater wheel articulation with no compromise to the vehicle’s interior packaging. To achieve the required level of articulation, both front wheels have been moved 100mm outboard. In addition, the front suspension has been changed from the standard MacPherson Strut to a new design that incorporates a separate steering knuckle connected via swivel bearings. With a conventional strut, the whole assembly turns when steering is applied. By switching to a separate knuckle layout, only the knuckle and the hub turn. This, in turn, allows for much greater wheel articulation and ensures that the wheel remains perpendicular to the road at all times. Combined with the wider track (which allows for the turned wheel to clear the inner wheel arch), modified steering rack and double Cardan driveshafts that incorporate two universal joints, the NV200 London Taxi has a turning circle of less than 25ft (7.62m). The new assembly is mounted on a sub-frame that is connected to the vehicle with compliant rubber mounts. These mounts help isolate noise and vibration while a revised anti-roll bar gives effective control of body roll under cornering. At the rear, the NV200 London Taxi features double-elliptical leaf springs. The entire rear suspension system is very compact and uses heavily-angled dampers to minimise cabin intrusion. This has the added benefit of keeping the floor as low as possible. The NV200 London Taxi also features an impressive array of safety features designed to protect occupants and pedestrians. High intensity cabin and door impact absorption structures help provide a safety shield around occupants in an accident, while pedestrian safety is enhanced by the use of energy-absorbing materials in the bumper, bonnet and cowl. The taxi is fitted with an electric power steering, with a strong self-centering action at lower engine speeds, it makes light work of tight manouevres and delivers excellent feedback to the driver. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard on NV200, and are augmented by Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Brake Assist maintains maximum deceleration during an emergency stop even if the driver reduces the pedal effort while EBD constantly alters the front disc to rear drum balance to achieve optimum brake performance, automatically compensating for differing passenger weights. The NV200 London Taxi is powered by a frugal 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with two power outputs: 89hp and 110hp. Based on the K9K 1.5dCi common rail unit, the 1,461cc eight-valve engine combines excellent fuel economy with low maintenance costs and punchy performance. It also has exceptionally low CO2 emissions that start from 139g/km (89hp engine) - a figure that comfortably undercuts existing London Taxi offerings. Versions fitted with the 89hp engine feature a five-speed manual transmission, while 110hp variants benefit from a six-speed unit. Both powerplants are fully compliant with the latest EuroV emissions regulations. DEALERSHIPS The NV200 London Taxi will be sold through a designated Nissan ‘specialist’ dealer and will be competitively priced, significantly below the current London Taxi Company TX4. More details and a pricing structure for options and features will be announced closer to the launch date. Website: www.taxiglobe.info – To advertise in the most independent newspaper – Telephone – 01778 391189 Editorial – 01707 885439
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