Nissan Taxi Of Tomorrow Design Expo NYC [Pics]

This week, New Yorkers will get a chance to try out the interior of the new Nissan NV200 which will become the standard taxi in the city beginning in 2013. Nissan has created a special exhibit called the ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ Design Expo in the public plaza adjacent to the Flatiron building. PSFK attended a media preview yesterday where we learned why Nissan created the special interior exhibition. Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Fleet & Commercial Vehicles remarked that NYC taxi’s have a heritage of being recognized for their exterior styling. This is more true of the Checker era rather than currently where the fleet contains vehicles ranging from Toyota cars to Ford Vans. Nissan wanted to really study and elevate the passenger experience within the cab which has been largely an after thought on previous taxi conversions. The new NV200 aims to offer a new level of passenger comfort and amenities not seen in the taxi fleet to date.

The standout features include a flat floor and cargo area which can accommodate luggage for four passengers. Sliding doors which will have sensors on the door handles that activate warning lights to alert approaching cyclists. USB charging points. And anti-microbial environmentally friendly seat upholstery which was sourced from the marine industry that is easy to clean and hard wearing.

The Design Expo officially opens today at noon with a special program hosted by Ben Bailey of Discovery Channel’s Cash Cab television game show. Baily will lead an online media edition of Cash Cab with New York online influencers as contestants, live from the Design Expo site. Blogger contestants who demonstrate mastery of taxi trivia, including details about Nissan’s NV200 Taxi, will accrue donations for a local charity of their choice. Additionally, Nissan’s social media fans on Twitter and Facebook will compete for a taxi prize pack as Ben challenges them with trivia questions via video.

Nissan Taxi of Tomorrow Design Expo NYC
Broadway and Fifth Avenue at 23rd St.
Tuesday, Nov. 1, noon-9 p.m
Wednesday, Nov. 2 through Friday, Nov. 4, 8 a.m.-9 p.m
Saturday, Nov. 5, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Nissan