All-new cab set to join the ranks

By Richard Yarrow

13th March 2009

This big yellow taxi is a bit of all white! This remake of a US classic could be the new cab that collects you from the airport the next time you visit the US.

It’s being developed by American firm Vehicle Production Group (VPG), and is known as the Standard Taxi. Design features include a low floor with electric ramp for wheelchair access and easily replaceable body panels which are designed to keep repair costs down.

Negative feedback from taxi drivers has already forced the firm to revise the styling to create a supposedly softer, friendlier look. The car is set to be built at VPG’s plant in Mishawaka, Indiana. This has spare capacity because of slow sales of the Hummer H2, which it assembles under contract for General Motors.

When production starts in 2010, the Standard will be the first purpose-built taxi since the Checker Marathon, the iconic New York cab, launched in 1961. It remained unchanged until production ended in 1982.

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