One of the oddest-looking vehicles on display at Toyota’s Tokyo Motor Show booth will be the JPN Taxi Concept, which previews a next-generation taxi for the Japanese market. Toyota says the study was developed with Japanese hospitality in mind, offering ease of ingress and egress and a comfortable interior size in a compact body.
The JPN Taxi Concept measures 4,350 mm (171 inches) in length, 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) in width and 1,700 mm (67 inches) in height and has a wheelbase of 2,750 mm (108.2 inches), offering space for five passengers.
The concept features large electrically operated doors and a low, flat floor that ease access for passengers, particularly for children and seniors. Toyota says the open, roomy interior has been designed “to ensure ease-of-use at all times.”
The design of the car features familiar taxi proportions and an electrically operated sliding door on the passenger-seat side. The interior includes a large monitor that provides information to passengers, such as the route to the destination and taxi fares. Air conditioning and lighting have been optimized to enhance the impression of space and comfort.
The JPN Taxi Concept is powered by a new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) hybrid system optimized for taxi driving patterns. The vehicle has been developed according to the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s guidelines for taxis tailored to regional needs.
Toyota will also bring the Aqua G Sports concept to Tokyo, which has already been shown at the previous edition of Japan’s most important auto show. The study was tuned by Gazoo Racing and previews a production model that will launch on the Japanese market in late November.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
