Automotive

Toyota's next-gen black cab concept dropping off at Tokyo Motor Show

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Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept that will premiere at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept that will premiere at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept side view
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept rear angle view
The dash of Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept is designed specifically for taxi use
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept has room for five occupants
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept has a roomy, open interior
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept high angle front view
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept front angle view
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept rear angle view
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept front view
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept rear view
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept features a large, electrically operated door on the passenger side
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept features a monitor for passengers to track their route
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept dash
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept features a monitor for passengers to track their route
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept front interior
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept rear interior
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept features a monitor for passengers to track their route
Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept features a flat floor
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Alongside its FV2 personal transportation vehicle concept, Toyota will also be premiering a next-generation taxi concept at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show. Although it bears more than a passing resemblance to London's iconic black cabs, Toyota says the JPN Taxi Concept has been created with Japanese hospitality in mind.

With a length of 4,350 mm (171.2 in), width of 1,695 mm (66.7 in) height of 1,700 mm (66.9 in) and wheelbase of 2,750 mm (108.2 in), the vehicle features a roomy, open interior with room for five occupants and a flat floor that is designed to facilitate easy ingress and egress for everyone from children to seniors via the large, electrically operated door on the passenger side.

Once inside, passengers can track the route to their destination and keep an eye on the fare via a large monitor attached to the roof. Up front, the instruments and gauges have been designed specifically for taxi use.

Toyota's JPN Taxi Concept features a monitor for passengers to track their route

Though no firm details have been released, Toyota says the vehicle is powered by a new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) hybrid system that has been optimized to offer excellent environmental performance for taxi driving patterns.

It has also been designed in keeping with the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's efforts to force the incorporation of more barrier-free features along bus and taxi routes to make buildings and transport more accessible for the elderly and physically disabled.

Source: Toyota

View gallery - 20 images
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3 comments
bergamot69
Looks a hell of a lot better than most taxis, such as the modified Nissan NV200 panel van used in New York, or Mercedes Vito, which currently serves in London alongside the evergreen TX4.
equator180
Nice vehicle. Toyota has had some real winners in the taxi business. The "Crown," model with the 3 liter diesel was a winner. Quiet, roomy, well laid out with ample room for luggage. The weak points with this model is the drive train, (now all countries will opt for the LNG set up) and an option to an efficient and clean diesel should be available. Another thing is the allotted space for luggage, groceries etc., there are no pics of the space behind the rear seats. Excellent idea for room under the seat and the ability of the front passenger seat to go forward increases capacity as well. If luggage would fit there is a question. Perhaps a roof rack would be an option (weather proof of course) but over all a very nice looking taxi pak, good luck!
fenshwey
If the back seats folded up then they could maybe squeeze in room for a wheelchair with the front seat pushed forward. It would be tight, but round it off as a great taxi for around the world.
It looks a pleasant place to be for the driver and the passengers.