2014 Ford Transit Connect Taxi Takes Cabs Another Step into the Future

Watertown, 10/02/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

While there are still many Crown Victorias toiling away as taxis on city streets, Ford has come a long way in the livery industry since that ubiquitous sedan ceased production in 2011. The Ford Transit Connect Taxi has emerged on the market as a modern answer to urban transport, and the recently introduced second generation of the compact van will take things a step further when it goes on sale early next year.

Sporting a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a new six-speed automatic transmission, the 2014 Transit Connect Taxi should offer improved responsiveness compared to its predecessor, yet it is also predicted by Ford to return best-in-class highway fuel economy. Taxi companies who want to save even more on fuel costs can opt for an available prep package that converts the Transit Connect Taxi to run on compressed natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas.

"The new Transit Connect Taxi's great gas mileage and exclusive alternative-fuel options not only mean lower running costs for livery businesses, but also reduced emissions in our cities, where cabs are among the most frequently driven vehicles," said Peter King, general manager of Watertown Ford, a Boston Ford dealership. "Most passengers will notice how much different the experience is from older cabs, thanks to the Transit Connect Taxi's abundance of space and comfortable ride."

Though its height has been lowered to make way for ads on the roof, the 2014 Transit Connect Taxi has grown in length, opening up plenty of room for five passengers and an expected best-in-class cargo capacity of 60.5 cubic feet behind the second row. Passengers will be able to easily enter the vehicle with the lower load floor, while an advanced twist-beam rear suspension will grant them a smoother ride on bumpy city streets.

Ford has also made the cab driver's job more efficient and safe with the implementation of new technologies in the 2014 Transit Connect Taxi. An optional rearview camera gives drivers a clear look at traffic as they back out onto busy streets, while the available 6.5-inch touchscreen with navigation can quickly guide them to new locations. Buyers can also now opt for the SYNC with MyFord Touch infotainment system, which enables hands-free phone calls, audible text messaging and music streaming from services like Pandora Internet radio.

"From a cab driver's perspective, features like streaming music or a rearview camera can go a long way toward making their job more enjoyable, considering the hours upon hours they spend in a vehicle," King noted. "Not to mention, they will also be getting a more engaging ride in the 2014 Transit Connect Taxi, thanks to the new 2.5-liter powerplant."

About Watertown Ford:
Watertown Ford is where Greater Boston Ford lovers head for the best deals on new and used Fords. No other Massachusetts Ford dealer has the same dedication to the customer, and that dedication has earned Watertown Ford the loyalty of Ford owners all over the state. Their new and used Ford inventory can be viewed online at www.watertownford.com, and interested customers can visit their showroom at 625 Pleasant St. in Watertown, Massachusetts. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyWatertownFord and reached by phone at 800-584-6486.