By Mark Kleis
Wednesday, Feb 10th, 2010 @ 4:59 am

In addition to Ford ’s latest Transit Connect Electric offering, Ford has also taken the wraps off of a specialized version of the Transit Connect that comes equipped with extensive modifications straight from the factory – making it one of the most fuel efficient taxis on the road. In addition to equipping the vehicle with specialized seating, cargo room, and customer management systems, Ford will also offer CNG and LPG conversions.

The Ford Crown Victoria has long been the iconic taxi cab vehicle of choice – and as of 2005, Ford’s Hybrid Escape Taxi was the first gas-electric hybrid on the market. Now, Ford is turning to its fleet-minded Transit Connect platform, which utilizes the same C-segment platform that underpins the European Focus.

Right from the production line, and available at dealers, the Transit Connect Taxi will come with a truly unique interior package intended to efficiently move people and their cargo in a taxi environment. Ford points to the vehicle’s low ground clearance for ease of entry, high roofline for added passenger headroom and visibility, an additional three inches of passenger legroom and the addition of rear climate controls as reasons why the Transit Connect Taxi is the ideal solution for taxi companies.

Ford says it also offers a wiring upfit package with a hole in the roof for signage, vinyl front and rear seats for durability and ease of cleaning, a rubberized rear floor, sliding second-row windows and third-row windows – all intended for a taxi environment.

To make the Transit Connect Taxi even more appealing to operators, Ford has teamed up with Creative Mobile Technologies, or CMT, to integrate several productivity technologies such as Ford Work Solutions, an in-dash computer with full high-speed internet access and navigation and a custom passenger interface system.

(More after video)

Ford’s latest high-tech Taxi
Ford and CMT have jointly developed an integrated system that features an 8.4-inch electronic infotainment and navigation screen for rear passengers. This touch-screen allows passengers to choose between cab fare, news, weather, sports score, stock ticker, navigation and even a list of points of internet to display that appear along the route – such as restaurants, museums and shops.

Upon reaching their destination, the screen will display the total fare and give the passengers the ability to swipe their credit card, add a tip and finish their transaction all from the back seat screen.

The Transit Connect Taxi goes green
In addition to the many taxi-specific changes Ford will be offering, Ford says it will also offer engine prep packages that will allow for the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas). Ford’s market research found that many taxi fleet owners like the option of running their fleet on CNG or LPG as it can reduce overall costs, help the environment and qualify for federal tax credits.

“While meeting with taxi operators in cities throughout the U.S., we found considerable interest for vehicles that run on alternative fuels,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “The Transit Connect Taxi, combined with an engine modified by Ford to use CNG/LPG, is designed to meet that need. This marks a new era in ‘green’ transit.”

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