New Ford Transit Connect Taxi Ready for Service from New York City to Los Angeles to Hong Kong

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

• Ford Transit Connect Taxi adds Hong Kong to list of global cities where the vehicle will be in service
• All-new this model year, Ford Transit Connect Taxi features an unmatched combination of performance, fuel economy, safety, comfort and flexibility
• Ford C-MAX Hybrid also being adopted by taxi operators across the United States, where Ford leads with 60 percent share of the taxi market

Ford Motor Company today adds 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.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131021/DE00450 )

All-new this model year, Ford Transit Connect Taxi features an unmatched combination of performance, fuel economy, safety, comfort and flexibility.

"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 fuel system. It is designed to run on Hong Kong's well-established LPG infrastructure, providing dependability, low maintenance and long-range travel.

In the United States, Ford owns nearly 60 percent of the taxi market. On sale since 2010, Ford Transit Connect Taxi serves passengers in some of the most demanding taxi markets, including Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Boston.

Taxi of the future today

The 2014 Ford Transit Connect Taxi comes with a new powertrain – a 2.5-liter 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.

In addition, Transit Connect will be the only taxi in America offered with a compressed natural gas and LPG engine prep package. Conversion to CNG and LPG is supported by Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers, enabling significant fuel cost savings.

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 an expected best-in-class 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.

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.

Ford C-MAX Hybrid chosen by taxi operators

In addition to Transit Connect Taxi's success, Ford C-MAX Hybrid is being adopted by taxi operators right from dealer lots. Taxi operators like the vehicle's utility, maneuverable size and class-leading U.S. EPA combined fuel economy of 43 mpg. C-MAX Hybrid taxis are on the road in San Francisco and New York.

Taxi operators attribute Ford C-MAX Hybrid's class-leading fuel economy, 522-mile overall range and spaciousness to its success in taxi fleets. C-MAX Hybrid offers best-in-class passenger volume, plus best-in-class front- and second-row headroom and legroom, and plenty of room for cargo.

In addition, Ford C-MAX Hybrid's ease of entry and exit is one of its top-rated features by customers – important for passengers quickly entering and exiting the vehicle.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 177,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company