Ford Launches Fusion Hybrid And Transit Connect Diesel Taxis

Ford has just introduced two new taxi models in the all-new Fusion Hybrid and the new Transit Connect, the latter equipped with an available EcoBlue diesel engine.

While the Transit Connect diesel is targeted to return an EPA-estimated highway rating of at least 30 mpg (7.8l/100km), the Fusion Hybrid taxi is projected to offer a combined rating of 38 mpg (6.2l/100km), while also featuring parts designed for the 2019 Police Responder Hybrid sedan.

“Taxi operators want vehicles that are reliable, efficient and comfortable,” stated Ford fleet marketing exec, Imran Jalal. “Transit Connect Taxi and Fusion Hybrid Taxi offer all three with special attention to potentially help lower fuel costs. Plus, Fusion Hybrid underscores our commitment to introduce even more efficient and capable hybrids in the future.”

2019 Transit Connect Taxi

The Transit Connect Taxi offers a flexible interior with enough room to seat five people comfortably. It also has more than 60 cu.ft (1,700 liters) of cargo volume, which Ford says is more than what you get in a Nissan NV200 taxi.

Aside from its newly available EcoBlue diesel unit, the 2019 Transit Connect Taxi also features a recessed second-row seat, a taxi upfit wiring harness, first-row side curtain airbags, optional roof access hole for signage and a reverse sensing system. At the same time, the new taxi can be made wheelchair accessible via the Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier program.

First-ever Fusion Hybrid Taxi

While actual mileage will vary, the Ford Fusion Hybrid taxi is expected to have similar EPA-estimated ranges to the Ford Police Responder Hybrid, meaning 40 mpg City/36 mpg Highway/38 mpg Combined – 5.8l/100km / 6.5l/100km / 6.2l/100km.

Features include the police-tuned suspension with increased ride height, high-performance brakes, steel wheels, heavy-duty cloth seating (optional vinyl seats), vinyl floors, available School Bus Yellow paint, a rearview camera as standard and a mounting plate on top of the instrument panel to secure taxi meters.

Both of these new Ford taxi models will go on sale by the end of this year.