LONDON, England - It’s tall, black as coal, and can probably turn on half a yen in the middle of a rush-hour snarl in Nagoya. It’s Toyota’s vision for a new generation of Japanese taxis that, in terms of basic appearance, looks like something you might be flagging down in London rather than Shinjuku.
The new JPN Taxi Concept will be first off the rank at the 2013 Tokyo auto show which opens on November 20 where it’ will make its debut appearance. Although there’s no “for hire” sign yet shining on the blue display panel above the windscreen it’s been conceived by Toyota in line with the Japanese government’s programme for designing buses and taxis that are more user-friendly.
NEW POWER TRAIN
The vehicle’s proportions and packaging have been tailored to give it the manoeuvrability that’s essential in urban traffic and to make access easy for passengers, especially children and older people, with a high cabin, low floor and electric sliding door.
It also comes with a new power train, an LPG hybrid system that promises better environmental performance in cities.
The cab seats five and is equipped with a large interior monitor showing information, including the route to the destination and the fare, to the passengers.
The new JPN Taxi Concept will be first off the rank at the 2013 Tokyo auto show which opens on November 20 where it’ will make its debut appearance. Although there’s no “for hire” sign yet shining on the blue display panel above the windscreen it’s been conceived by Toyota in line with the Japanese government’s programme for designing buses and taxis that are more user-friendly.
NEW POWER TRAIN
The vehicle’s proportions and packaging have been tailored to give it the manoeuvrability that’s essential in urban traffic and to make access easy for passengers, especially children and older people, with a high cabin, low floor and electric sliding door.
It also comes with a new power train, an LPG hybrid system that promises better environmental performance in cities.
The cab seats five and is equipped with a large interior monitor showing information, including the route to the destination and the fare, to the passengers.