If you have ever stepped foot in New York or simply watched a movie in which the action takes place in the Big Apple, it's more than likely you have seen one of those famous taxi cabs -- the kings of the streets. Everywhere you go, it seems like you're surrounded by a sea of yellow cars that drive around millions of people every day.
Anyone who has ever climbed on board these taxi cabs -- actually, any taxi cab -- knows that most of them have not been designed to carry as many passengers and as much luggage.
Rest assured, you and I are not the only ones who have noticed this problem: the Vehicle Production Group, a Michigan-based company, analyzed the shortcomings of today's taxis and chose the New York Auto Show (what a coincidence!) to unveil their own unique version called the "Standard Taxi".
This ultimate taxi cab concept, which should be showcased in Montreal next June, is actually a combination of various elements that can meet the requirements of all types of passengers, regardless of their needs or limits.
For the cab drivers themselves, the prototype reduces repair costs thanks to side panels, fenders and even bumpers than can be replaced in a flash.
As for the customers, the step-in height has been lowered and an access ramp can be installed, allowing people with reduced mobility to get on board more easily. Of course, the interior has also been revised and improved.
The rear trunk is more than two times the size of a regular trunk, easily swallowing up to four golf bags and a full-size spare tire.
Finally, this yellow cab has also a green side: while the engine is powerful, it's factory-tuned to run on any type of alternative fuel, including natural gas. And people sitting in the back might be "green" with envy because the front seats incorporate enhanced bolsters and standard lumbar adjustments on all models.
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Anyone who has ever climbed on board these taxi cabs -- actually, any taxi cab -- knows that most of them have not been designed to carry as many passengers and as much luggage.
Rest assured, you and I are not the only ones who have noticed this problem: the Vehicle Production Group, a Michigan-based company, analyzed the shortcomings of today's taxis and chose the New York Auto Show (what a coincidence!) to unveil their own unique version called the "Standard Taxi".
This ultimate taxi cab concept, which should be showcased in Montreal next June, is actually a combination of various elements that can meet the requirements of all types of passengers, regardless of their needs or limits.
For the cab drivers themselves, the prototype reduces repair costs thanks to side panels, fenders and even bumpers than can be replaced in a flash.
As for the customers, the step-in height has been lowered and an access ramp can be installed, allowing people with reduced mobility to get on board more easily. Of course, the interior has also been revised and improved.
The rear trunk is more than two times the size of a regular trunk, easily swallowing up to four golf bags and a full-size spare tire.
Finally, this yellow cab has also a green side: while the engine is powerful, it's factory-tuned to run on any type of alternative fuel, including natural gas. And people sitting in the back might be "green" with envy because the front seats incorporate enhanced bolsters and standard lumbar adjustments on all models.
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