What does Hong Kong have in common with New York City, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles? Other than being a large, cosmopolitan metropolis it’s also the latest municipality to select Ford’s Transit Connect Taxi for duty.
The South-Asian city has a robust liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) infrastructure, making this clean-burning fuel a no brainer for the new people-hauler. Transit Connects are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s matched to an efficiency-boosting six-speed automatic transmission.
But LPG-powered Ford taxis are not limited to just Hong Kong, the company will also offer propane-powered Transit Connects in America. Additionally, customers can up-fit vehicles to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). This gives fleet buyers impressive choice when it comes to fuel.
Right now Ford leads the taxi segment in the United States with 60 percent of the market, probably thanks to the aged Crown Victoria, a V8-powered dinosaur of a car. The thrifty Transit Connect should provide more comfort for passengers and greatly improved fuel economy for operators.
This vehicle should also offer fleet buyers even more choice, especially since the success of Nissan’s NV200 “Taxi of Tomorrow” is in jeopardy in New York City. A court recently rejected NYC’s Taxi and Limousine Commission from compelling cab companies to purchase the Nissan. This could give Ford and the new Transit Connect a big boost.
SEE ALSO: Nissan Taxi of Tomorrow Contract Rejected in Court
Another feather in the Ford’s cap is cargo capacity. The company estimates its TC will offer best-in-class space behind the second-row seat at 60.5 cubic feet of volume.
Beyond the Transit Connect the Blue Oval is also finding success with its C-MAX Hybrid as a cab. The super-efficient people hauler has been pressed into service in San Francisco and New York.
Beyond Hong Kong Ford’s Transit Connect serves markets including Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Boston. Look for it in a city near you.
Discuss this story on our Ford Forum.
The post 2014 Ford Transit Connect Taxi: More Space, Less Fuel appeared first on AutoGuide.com News.
