Nissan NV200 Chicago Taxi looking for a #HailYes

Fri, 07 Feb 2014

Nissan may be loaning out its small van to General Motors for its Chicago Auto Show debut, but that doesn't mean that Chevrolet is the only one with new NV200-based wares to share. On the heels of launching its Taxi Of Tomorrow for New York City, the Japanese automaker is giving America's Second City a livery of its own.

Shown here in a green and white paint scheme that "expresses a modern take on a historically popular Chicago taxi color," this NV200 Chicago Taxi is the company's less-than-subtle bid to capture some of the city's cab business, which is estimated to have about 7,000 units in service. Nissan is urging the public to generate discussion on social media and hopefully capture local taxi fleet operators' attention with a #HailYes campaign.

Beyond its unique appearance, this NV200 appears untouched, which means it's still powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine backed by a version of Nissan's ubiquitous XTronic continuously variable transmission.

As before, passengers will enjoy amenities like rear-seat air conditioning and USB ports, along with easy-clean seat fabrics and odor-fighting headliners surrounding its transparent roof panel. Owner/operators, however, will likely be more interested in the model's 150,000-mile warranty, standard navigation with backup camera and "low-annoyance horn" that flashes the exterior lights when honking.

Nissan unveils Customized Chicago NV200 Taxi at Chicago Auto Show

Feb. 6, 2014
Nissan offers Chicagoans the opportunity to say #HailYes to a better taxi experience via social media
CHICAGO – Following its introduction in New York City as the city's newest taxi, Nissan unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show a customized Chicago taxi featuring more content tailored to the unique needs of metropolitan cab service than ever before.

Chicago has about 7,000 cabs in service, and Nissan wants those who know them best - taxi riders and drivers - to engage in dialogue about what features make for a better taxi experience. The public can share their thoughts through social media such as Twitter or Facebook using #HailYes.

The Nissan NV200 taxi's green and white design expresses a modern take on a historically popular Chicago taxi color. The Chicago NV200 taxi offers USB charging, anti-fatigue driver's seats, panoramic sky views of the city, reduced odors, improved leg room, more cargo space, passenger safety and other conveniences that no other taxi offers.

The Nissan NV200 is the only taxi on the market to have been crash-tested with the partition installed. Because the partition and equipment are designed to custom-fit the vehicle, passenger safety is improved by rounded edges and fully functioning airbags - features that many taxis do not have.

"With great feedback from drivers, riders and media in New York, we've had a number of dealers across the country raise their hands to get a supply of NV200 taxis for cities such as Seattle, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and across Texas. We think Chicago is a natural fit for the premium taxi experience NV200 delivers at a competitive price," said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing, Parts & Service, U.S.A.

"Nissan's #HailYes campaign will engage Chicagoans in conversation about what's needed for a better taxi experience in the city," said Diaz. "The solution for an improved taxi isn't a pipe dream; it's already here. We'd love to see those visiting or watching coverage of the Chicago Auto Show voice their support with a #HailYes shout-out in social media for the NV200 taxi."

Drawing on insight from taxi drivers, fleet owners and passengers, the Nissan NV200 taxi aims to provide the comfort and convenience of black-car service in an everyday taxi you can hail on the street. One of the Nissan NV200 taxi's popular design elements is the transparent roof that gives riders stunning views of Chicago city sights and skyscrapers.

Other features include:

Ample room for four passengers and their luggage, offering substantial improvements over current and recently unveiled taxi models

Sliding doors with entry step and grab handles, providing easy entry and exit
Opening side windows
Independently controlled, rear air conditioning
Active carbon-lined headliner to help neutralize interior odors
Overhead reading lights for passengers and floor lighting to help locate belongings
Mobile charging ports for passengers, including a 12-volt electrical outlet and two USB ports
Breathable, germ-fighting, durable and easy-to-clean seat fabric, simulating the look and feel of leather
Flat "no hump" passenger floor area for more comfortable ride
Roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags for side-impact and rollover protection for all outboard occupants – the NV200 taxi is the first taxi to be crash-tested with taxi equipment installed, including the partition
Other notable NV200 taxi features focus on driver comfort, customer satisfaction and the environment:

A low-annoyance horn with exterior lights that indicate when the vehicle is honking, so the horn is used less frequently
Hearing Loop System for the hearing impaired
Driver and passenger intercom system
Proven 2.0L 4-cylinder powertrain, engineered to enhance the emission performance and fuel efficiency of the taxi fleet
150,000-mile powertrain limited warranty
A 6-way adjustable driver's seat featuring both recline and lumbar adjustments, even with a partition installed
Unique driver's seat material and stitching to promote improved airflow
USB auxiliary audio input and charge port for driver
Standard navigation system with integrated "RearView Monitor"
Taxi wiring and installation provisions
The NV200 taxi is now on sale. Total manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of the vehicle starts at approximately $29,700.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama,
Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

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By Chris Paukert