Ford has introduced the 2019 Fusion Hybrid Taxi, what the company calls its most fuel efficient purpose-built taxi ever.
The Fusion Hybrid Taxi shares parts with the Ford Police Responder Hybrid for improved durability in a livery duty cycle. For the new taxi, Ford is projecting EPA-estimated ranges comparable to that of the Ford Police Responder Hybrid (40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined).
The 2019 Fusion Hybrid Taxi includes a police-tuned suspension with increased ride height and calibrated high-performance brakes, plus steel wheels.
In addition, Ford has introduced the Transit Connect Taxi, which, when equipped with a 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel engine, is targeted to return an EPA-estimated highway rating of at least 30 mpg.
The Transit Connect Taxi offers seating for five and features more than 60 cubic-feet of cargo volume behind the second row.
The 2019 Transit Connect Taxi and 2019 Fusion Hybrid Taxi can be ordered now. The 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel on 2019 Transit Connect will be available to order soon. Both Ford taxi models will go on sale by year-end.
“Taxi operators want vehicles that are reliable, efficient and comfortable,” says Imran Jalal, brand and communications manager for Ford fleet marketing. “Transit Connect Taxi and Fusion Hybrid Taxi offer all three with special attention to potentially help lower fuel costs. Plus, Fusion Hybrid underscores our commitment to introduce even more efficient and capable hybrids in the future.”
