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New GM Taxi

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GM has been working on it for a while.
Some new Taxi idea. It looks horrible.
I’m sure it’s roomy, but really. This thing would have looked bad 30 years ago.
Please bring back the Checker…

I think this is a better idea for a modern version of the Taxi.
Ford showed a few months ago what could be done with their new small Transit.
It sure seems smaller than the GM monstrosity, but I’m sure it’s enough for most needs.

And at least, it looks modern and could be really efficient.

Conversation 31 comments

  1. As someone who lives and works in NYC, I really like this taxi post.

    I agree, Vince: Ford's proposal looks much better than GM's.

    I've found that the most important attributes for a comfortable taxi are good suspension (not harsh, but not boat-like like the Lincoln Town Car), and a higher seating position (for general comfort and ease of entry/exit). That's why pretty much any of the other cars used for taxi/livery car service in NYC are an improvement over the Ford sedan products.

    Also, Manhattan streets w/ aggressive drivers in the next lane are one of the best reasons for sliding doors. It's too easy to block another lane or "door" a bicyclist if the car has convenional swing-out doors.

  2. That thing make the Astro/Safari twins looks SEXY!

    My guess is that this is a melted version of the Chevy Orlando….which is what they should be using for such a concept anyway.

  3. It looks like an elongated Honda Element. Anything is better than the fords that are the current most popular. If I get in a cab in NYC though it has to be a toyota minivan, then I might win cash.

  6. You sure it's not a Honda Element concept?

    Paint it black and change the grill and it looks like something that a updated London Taxi would look like.

    The fact that we believe that it looks horrible(or not) doesn't really matter. You (unless you are in the business) and I don't have a horse in this race.

    Does it make money enough money for the owner over the expected lifespan of the vehicle is the important question compared to the competition's taxi.

    Once Crown Vics bite the dust, they have to have something.

  7. "It sure seems smaller than the GM monstrosity, but I'm sure it's enough for most needs."

    Considering the small overhangs of the GM, even if it is bigger than the Ford, it most likely is lot smaller than a full size Ford car. If it's the same size, then there will be a lot more room inside than a full size Ford car.

    If GM made these and companies bought them, are you planning to NOT take a cab if this what you have to hop into? What do you care?

  9. I think that function is most important to a taxi, but I can't understand why it can't also be a little better looking than the GM rendering. It has the same shape as the British cabs, but the Brit's have an air of whimsy and tradition about them. This GM vehicle looks like a "safety car" of the 60's. The Ford is definitely a little better looking. When you consider the amount of them that will be filling the streets of NY and other major cities, I would go with the better looking Ford.

  10. The Transit Connect would be the best option I think, and it looks and drives fantastic.

    This is yet another GM joke.

    "Anonymous said…
    "It sure seems smaller than the GM monstrosity, but I'm sure it's enough for most needs."

    Considering the small overhangs of the GM, even if it is bigger than the Ford, it most likely is lot smaller than a full size Ford car. If it's the same size, then there will be a lot more room inside than a full size Ford car.

    If GM made these and companies bought them, are you planning to NOT take a cab if this what you have to hop into? What do you care?

    November 16, 2009 11:34 AM"

    What do I care???

    It is another reason for other countries to laugh at the US.

    This thing is f*cking ugly!!!

  12. For God's sake, that's not from GM. It's the Standard Taxi being produced by AM General on the Hummer H2 platform. Cut GM some slack here folks.

  13. Seriously Vince….

    GM is not behind this. This is from a company called AM General. Even though they were behind the original military purpose built Humvee that inspired the HUMMER and even though they've worked with GM with some civilian Hummers, AM General was never owned by GM at all.

    Please get your facts straight next time.

  16. That's the new AM General Taxi that is setup for handicap passengers. It uses a GM motor but is not designed by GM. Take a look around the web the story has been up for months.

  18. So strap your bones right into the seat.

    Come on in and don't be shy

    Just to make your day complete
    you might get baked into a pie.

    On the Magic school Bus!!!

    Step inside its a wilder ride
    Ride on the Magic School Bus!!
    Beep beep beep.

    Where's ms frizzle going to take us to this time?

  19. I'm ok with it. If it does what it's supposed to do, then WTF! It looks utilitarian….it's fine, if you believe it real….

  20. I live in NYC and will be pissed if GM litters the roads with this visual eye pollution. There's no reason that it needs to look like it's built from legos.

  21. That GM thing is truly horrid.
    Transit much better.
    In any case, I hope any new taxi concepts will be hybrid. It's the kind of use for which a hybrid car makes most sense. I'm glad I'm seeing increasing numbers of Prius taxis in my city (Barcelona) lately and I think there should be even more of them.

  22. it is almost an exact copy of a Honda Element…just with 2 more doors…surprised Honda didn't already think of this since they are the King of Ugly.

  24. Wow, it looks like Mr. Roger's Trolly painted in yellow. What was GM doing watching WVIZ?

    It's such a good feeling you know your alive

    It's such a happy feeling your growing inside
    And when you wake up ready to say
    I think I'll make it snappy today click click
    It's such a good feeling a very good feeling. The feeling you know is that I'll be back when the day is new and I'll have more ideas for you.
    And you'll have things you'll want to talk about. I… Will.. Too.

  25. Cruzing on down main street here relexaing feeling good. Next thing that you know is an optipus in the neigborhood?
    Rolling on soundwaves
    swinging through the stars
    make a left at your intestine make a second right past Mars. On the magic school bus. Navigate a nostrol on our magic school bus. Take a plankton too. On our magic school bus. Rocky river of lava on the the magic schools bus. such a fine thing to do.
    "So strap your bones right into the seat.

    Come on in and don't be shy

    Just to make your day complete
    you might get baked into a pie.

    On the Magic school Bus!!!

    Step inside its a wilder ride
    Ride on the Magic School Bus!!
    Beep beep beep."

  26. To those who pointed out that this is an AM General design:

    Maybe Vince just wanted to get the anonymous GM bashers pepped up?

    LOL@ my captcha saying "rednex"

  28. you can see that GM is finally on track. Stylish, efficient, very good looking, (Honda Pilot front end). Things are looking up. If this is a sign of things to come, there is no way GM can lose. They should use this look throughout their lineup. Just lovely.

  29. Big brother to the nissan Cube. That little bugger would make a good cab too. hey in those new roof crushing tests, the Nissan cube is the best!

  30. "Anonymous said…
    ive seen one of those Ford Transits at the dealership. Who comes up with this shit?

    November 17, 2009 11:04 AM"

    What do you mean "shit"?

    They are selling the shit out of those Transit Connects, they are selling VERY well actually.

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