Nissan to Host Taxi of Tomorrow 'Design Expo' in New York City

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- New Yorkers will get their first peek inside the Nissan NV200 Taxi, New York City's exclusive Taxi of Tomorrow, at the Nissan Taxi of Tomorrow Design Expo, Nov. 1-5. The exhibit, featuring an interactive display showcasing the vehicle's planned interior, will be hosted on the pedestrian plaza across from the Flatiron building at Broadway and Fifth Avenue. During the Design Expo, visitors will have the chance to experience first-of-a-kind interior features that incorporate ideas gathered from thousands of New York taxi owners, drivers, passengers and residents.  

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"Nissan's NV200 Taxi will be the first taxi in the world to offer new and iconic features developed for, and with, New Yorkers," said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Fleet & Commercial Vehicles. "The Taxi of Tomorrow Design Expo will offer a first look at these one-of-a-kind amenities, which include increased legroom, plenty of interior lighting, and materials that reduce odors and germs while supporting sustainability."

The Taxi of Tomorrow project began in 2007 as an initiative to establish the vision for a next-generation New York City taxicab. Following a rigorous evaluation process, Nissan's NV200 Taxi was selected in May 2011 as New York City's exclusive Taxi of Tomorrow beginning in late 2013. Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution and the Design Trust for Public Space have engaged with Nissan and the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission in the vehicle's design and development.

The Taxi of Tomorrow Design Expo will be open to the public on Tuesday, Nov. 1, noon-9 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 2 through Friday, Nov. 4, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; and, Saturday, Nov. 5, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

About Taxi of Tomorrow

In 2007, City officials convened a group of stakeholders, including representatives of taxi drivers, owners and passengers, to create a set of goals for the next New York City taxi cab, a project called the Taxi of Tomorrow. Taxi of Tomorrow was the result of a groundbreaking effort by the Design Trust for Public Space and the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission to re-imagine the entire taxi system -- including the vehicle -- for the 21st century. In December 2009, the TLC issued a "request for proposals," inviting auto manufacturers and designers to submit their best ideas for a purpose-built vehicle to serve as a New York City taxicab. At the end of the evaluation, the Nissan NV200 was selected and will be the next New York City taxicab for ten years, beginning in 2013.

About Nissan Americas

In the Americas, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.  Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

About Nissan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.1 million vehicles in 2010, generating revenue of 8.77 trillion yen ($102.37 billion U.S.). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award and 2011 World Car of the Year.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

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SOURCE Nissan Americas