Malibu heading into NYC Taxi Service as Plan for Hybrid Taxi Fleet Moves Forward

[Buick61]

Plan for Hybrid Taxi Fleet Moves Forward

Updated, 11:40 p.m. | Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s plan to convert New York City’s entire fleet of yellow taxicabs into one that entirely comprises vehicles that run on a hybrid of electricity and gasoline took a step forward Wednesday, when his administration announced an agreement among three major automobile manufacturers to produce at least 300 of the hybrid vehicles a month for use as cabs — more than the 210 per month that the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission had estimated was needed to meet legal deadlines.

The plan for an all-hybrid was announced last May, and in December, the commission unanimously approved new regulations that will require all new taxicabs, starting in October, to achieve a fuel-efficiency rating of 25 miles per gallon in the city. By October 2009, the requirement will be raised further, to 30 miles per gallon. The regulations are intended to ensure that by 2012 the entire taxi fleet will consist of hybrid vehicles or other “clean vehicles” that are far more energy efficient than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles with internal combustion engines.

Under the deal announced today, Nissan North America will produce 200 Nissan Altima hybrids per month, General Motors will produce 50 Chevrolet Malibu hybrids per month, and the Ford Motor Company will produce of 50 Ford Escape hybrids per month — all for exclusive use as New York City taxicabs, “While there are already hybrid vehicles available on the retail market, we want to ensure there is more than enough supply to meet the demand for hybrid taxis created by our new PlaNYC mileage rules,” said the mayor, referring to his plan to improve the city’s environmental standards by 2030.

The commission’s chairman, Matthew W. Daus, said there were already 1,300 hybrid taxicabs in use. They save drivers an average of around $6,500 a year and have better rates of passing inspections, Mr. Daus said.

While the plan for a hybrid fleet has drawn applause from environmentalists, it has left some drivers frustrated. Most individual owner-operators are unwilling to replace their vehicles before the five-year age limit. Some drivers have argued that they are stuck with traditional vehicles until the five years are up, and that in the meantime, the Taxi and Limousine Commission should impose a fuel surcharge on fares to compensate for record-high gasoline prices, which have lowered drivers’ salaries. So far the commission has declined to impose such a surcharge, noting that fares have already increased twice since 2004.

[Buick61]

Looks like most taxis will be Nissans until GM and Ford can get their production act together. It looks like GM will lose all taxi business by next fall. None of their hybrids returns 30MPG city.

Seeing as how the Toyota Sienna recently became a popular alternative, I wonder if Toyota will hybridize them sooner rather than later to keep the NYC Taxi sales. We've already heard reports about a 2mode Chrysler minivan coming out.

[montrealvue]

You would think Toyota would be in on this In many cities, most taxis are Prius' . Why not NY?

[jknudson98]

Malibu as a taxi? I could think of better cars to use. The rear seat is a little tight and the trunk opening is a bit small to load larger items.

[joemac]

Smart move. Use city tax dollars to buy foreign products. We have no consideration or concience.

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by joemac

Smart move. Use city tax dollars to buy foreign products. We have no consideration or concience.

I'm pretty certain that no tax dollars are going toward the purchase of cars. The Taxi & Limousine Commission just passes these mandates, it's up to the individual taxi companies and owner/operators to follow them.

[FenwickHockey65]

Malibu taxis eh?
Little too nice for a taxi...

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Malibu taxis eh?
Little too nice for a taxi...

Too nice? Then what of this:

[Hitman1970]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Malibu taxis eh?
Little too nice for a taxi...

All I can is go to Washintion D.C. where almost half the taxis are now Toyota Camry Hybrids. We know how much that the taxi stigma is hurting Camry sales. Do not worry about this. If anything it will be an opportunity for import-loving North Easterners to see what a good vehicle the new Malibu is.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Buick61

Too nice? Then what of this:

Psshh...
My uncle's old RX-whatever didn't qualify as a "nice car" IMO.
Damn thing was so slow and unresponsive that he sold it in less than a year.

[Htay7500]

Originally Posted by montrealvue

In many cities, most taxis are Prius' . Why not NY?

customers rejected it because of small passenger size, uncomfortable and there was an article about it. I'm too lazy to dig it out now but last time I went there on the 4th of july wkend, there were no prius there whatsoever. I saw a lot more last christmas break.

[Htay7500]

Originally Posted by Hitman1970

All I can is go to Washintion D.C. where almost half the taxis are now Toyota Camry Hybrids. We know how much that the taxi stigma is hurting Camry sales. Do not worry about this. If anything it will be an opportunity for import-loving North Easterners to see what a good vehicle the new Malibu is.

like NW?

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by Hitman1970

All I can is go to Washintion D.C. where almost half the taxis are now Toyota Camry Hybrids. We know how much that the taxi stigma is hurting Camry sales. Do not worry about this. If anything it will be an opportunity for import-loving North Easterners to see what a good vehicle the new Malibu is.

I'm in Washington, DC daily, and I haven't seen a Camry hybrid taxi in ages.



So, wow. After September of this year, new Ford Crown Victoria taxis simply won't exist. They've had a pretty good run, so this isn't a sad thing. It's definitely not as sad as the demise of Checker.

[Hitman1970]

Originally Posted by Buick61

I'm in Washington, DC daily, and I haven't seen a Camry hybrid taxi in ages.



So, wow. After September of this year, new Ford Crown Victoria taxis simply won't exist. They've had a pretty good run, so this isn't a sad thing. It's definitely not as sad as the demise of Checker.

I just spent three weeks staying at the Arlingtion Hilton Garden Inn and working between the Crystal City and Pentagon. You could not swing a dead cat without hitting one.

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by Hitman1970

I just spent three weeks staying at the Arlingtion Hilton Garden Inn and working between the Crystal City and Pentagon. You could not swing a dead cat without hitting one.

Oh Virginia might be a different situation altogether.