2014 Ford Transit Connect Taxi: More Space, Less Fuel
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.
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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.
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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