The Ford Transit Connect taxi has been added to fleets in Hong Kong.

The Ford Transit Connect taxi has been added to fleets in Hong Kong.

Ford Motor Company said it has added Hong Kong to the list of global cities served by its Transit Connect Taxi, building on the vehicle’s popularity among taxi operators in New York City, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles.

“Ford Transit Connect Taxi has proven itself in taxi fleets across the U.S.,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, global product development. “Now, we are building on that success, offering the vehicle for sale in even more markets, including global cities like Hong Kong.”

The Transit Connect Taxi Ford unveiled in Hong Kong comes equipped with a Ford-engineered, clean-burning liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) also known as propane-autogas fuel system. It is designed to run on Hong Kong’s well-established LPG infrastructure, providing dependability, low maintenance and long-range travel, according to the automaker.

On sale since 2010, Ford Transit Connect Taxi serves passengers in some of the most demanding taxi markets, including Philadelphia and Boston.

The 2014-MY Ford Transit Connect Taxi comes with a new powertrain — a 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with a new, fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmission — providing drivers with quick response as well as durability, low-rpm cruising, and an expected best-in-class highway fuel economy rating, according to the automaker.

In addition, Transit Connect is available with a compressed natural gas (CNG) and LPG engine prep package. Conversion to CNG and LPG is supported by Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers, enabling significant fuel cost savings, according to Ford.

Ford’s second-generation Transit Connect Taxi features a lower vehicle height, providing improved roof clearance for taxicab companies to place advertising on the cabin roof. A new interior hood release gives drivers easy access to check fluid levels prior to starting a shift.

The new Transit Connect Taxi also is longer, offering seating for five and increased cargo capacity. It has 60.5 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row. The vehicle can accommodate a compressed gas tank, while still leaving ample room for luggage, according to the automaker.

The Transit Connect Taxi floor has been lowered for improved access to the cabin, and it can be modified for wheelchair accessibility through Ford’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier program.

In addition to Transit Connect Taxi’s success, Ford C-MAX Hybrid is being adopted by taxi operators right from dealer lots. A purpose-built taxi package isn’t available. The C-MAX Hybrid features an EPA combined fuel economy of 43 mpg. C-MAX Hybrid taxis are on the road in San Francisco and New York.
 

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