When hailing a cab in NYC there is a chance to get several different vehicles, but it is most likely that you will end up in a Ford Crown Victoria. Today the NY Times and NY Daily News are reporting that the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission has announced a winner if its Taxi of Tomorrow tomorrow competition. The Nissan NV200 van succeeded in this long process that started in 2007 with a RFP in 2009. The contract will be a 10 year exclusive agreement providing over 13,000 cabs starting as early as 2014.
Nissan won despite some impressive marks in their competition’s favor. The Turkish built Karsan gained support from the persons with disabilities, as it is fully wheelchair accessible, and has a seating arrangement similar to the very successful London taxis. The Ford is a known quantity by most cab maintenance facilities, already approved in Europe and Boston, and of course owned by an American company. However The Times reports that the Ford was viewed as problematic and uninspired; while the Karsan didn’t have enough experience in the American market. A couple of bonus points for the Nissan include vans to be built in North American Plants and possible full electric powertrain.
It may be a while before the details of the contract are made public, but this could be some welcome relief from the aging fleet of Crown Vics and hodgepodge of smaller sedans.
*Photos from NYC TLC.
GothamGarage 
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