Nissan NV200 taxi ready for operation in Barcelona

Nissan today presented the Nissan NV200 and the e-NV200 concept as the city’s next generation taxi, leading the way for zero emission vehicles in Spain and providing a further boost to local production in Barcelona for the automotive sector. The presentation of the new Barcelona NV200 taxi, which took place alongside the future model to be used in New York, was attended by Xavier Trias, mayor of Barcelona, Antoni Vives, deputy mayor of Barcelona, Jordi Vila, Fleet and Commercial Vehicle general manager at Nissan Europe, and Francisco Sauco, Fleet and Commercial Vehicle manager at Nissan Iberia. The NV200 is a new-generation compact van suited to a wide variety of uses for customers around the world. First launched in Japan and Europe in 2009, the NV200 is now available in more than 40 countries, including China, India, and Indonesia, and has sold more than 135,000 units worldwide. It has received positive feedback from customers for its spacious interior, best-in-class fuel economy, excellent driving performance, and attractive design, and was awarded the International Van of the Year 2010. Chosen by New York City as their exclusive next generation taxi, the NV200 has also been unveiled, in concept form, as a bold new vision for London’s iconic ‘black cab’. Both the Barcelona NV200 taxi and the concept for Nissan’s London black cab are based on the NV200 model which is manufactured at Nissan’s Zona Franca plant, a demonstration of the company’s commitment to its manufacturing facilities in Barcelona and continued development and investment in advanced technologies and the creation of new models. The future e-NV200, a 100% electric taxi Following an investment of €100 million, creating more than 700 new jobs, the e-NV200 will be built at Nissan’s Zona Franca plant in Barcelona from late 2013 and exported across the world. The 100% electric e-NV200 is part of Nissan’s zero emissions sustainable mobility plan and the company is today a leader and pioneer in the introduction of zero emissions mobility. Nissan has long led this sector, having produced the Nissan LEAF – the first 100% electric, zero-emission car designed for the mass market – which is now the world’s best-selling electric vehicle with more than 43,000 units on the road. Barcelona electric vehicle capital Nissan’s leadership in electric vehicles reinforces Barcelona City Council’s strategy to promote sustainable mobility in the city and the metropolitan area and to make electric vehicles a major driver of economic development and competitiveness. It also reinforces the strong automobile industrial tradition in the Barcelona area of driving technological innovation and the development of mobility. The city is also making a significant commitment to deploy charging infrastructure, with over 250 public points distributed around the city, to ensure that the area is ready when citizens move towards sustainable zero emissions mobility. This market will be enhanced with the celebration in 2013 of the Electric Vehicle Symposium, the world congress industry benchmark. NV200, delivering a modern transport option The NV200 Barcelona Taxi model will be available to buy from 2 January 2013, delivering a modern transport option for the 10,500 taxi licence holders and more than 225,000 people who travel in the city’s taxis every day. Currently in development, the Nissan e-NV200 will provide a world-class, all-electric, zero emission taxi alternative from 2014. The Barcelona NV200 taxi has a 1.5 dCi 110 hp engine and will deliver a unique combination of best-in-class fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100 km (in combined driving) with outstanding interior space that can accommodate four passengers with five large suitcases in a compact 4.40m body. The vehicle features sliding side doors which allow easy boarding and exit for passengers, as well as being much safer for pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles as they do not open out into the road. Jordi Vila, Fleet and Commercial Vehicles general manager at Nissan in Europe, said: “With the start of operation of the NV200 Diesel Taxi in Barcelona, Nissan expects to gather information on experiences and expectations of taxi drivers in order to prepare for our next step, the launch of the world’s most advanced zero emission compact van, the new e-NV200, which will significantly improve air quality and reduce noise levels in the city”. From Motorin News