| Toyota JPN Taxi | |
|---|---|
 A Toyota JPN Taxi used byNihon Kotsu | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Model code | NTP10 |
| Also called | Toyota Comfort Hybrid (Hong Kong) Toyota Thai Taxi (Thailand) |
| Production | October 2017 – present |
| Assembly | Japan:Susono, Shizuoka (Toyota Motor East Japan);Ōhira, Miyagi (Toyota Motor East Japan) |
| Designer | Hiroshi Kayukawa |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Taxi |
| Body style | 5-doorMPV |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Platform | Toyota B platform |
| Doors |
|
| Related | Toyota Sienta Hybrid (XP170) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.5 L1NZ-FXPI4 |
| Electric motor | 45 kW (61 PS)2LMACsynchronous |
| Transmission | 1-speedplanetary gear |
| Hybrid drivetrain | Full hybrid (THS II) |
| Battery | Nickel–metal hydride |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm (108.3 in) |
| Length | 4,400 mm (173.2 in) |
| Width | 1,695 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1,750 mm (68.9 in) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Toyota Comfort/Toyota Crown Sedan |
TheToyota JPN Taxi (Japanese:トヨタ・ジャパンタクシー,Hepburn:Toyota Japantakushī), sometimes known as theToyota Japan Taxi,[1] is ahybrid electrictaxicab built touniversal design specifications mandated by theJapanese government.[2][3] Exhibited as theJPN Taxi Concept at the 43rdTokyo Motor Show in 2013, it has been produced byToyota since 2017, mainly for the Japanese,Thai, andHong Kong markets.
Marketed as a successor to theComfort and theCrown Sedan, it is currently being manufactured byToyota Motor East Japan under the supervision of chief engineer Hiroshi Kayukawa.[4]
The JPN Taxi was based around anemissions andaccessibility mandate by theJapanese government through consultation from carmakers, taxi companies and advocates for the disabled in 2012 to meet its "universal design" goals for the2020 Summer Olympics.[2][3] Built in part to evoke the same sense of recognition as the iconicLondon black cab, it is available from Toyota in 3 colours: black, white, and a deepindigo Toyota refers to askoiai (深藍).[1][5][6]
The vehicle's exterior dimensions are in compliance with Japanesevehicle size regulations that allow tax savings for commercial use. While the JPN Taxi was developed in conjunction with theToyota Sienta, the two vehicles share almost no elements besides the floor pan to allow for the fitment of specialized taxi equipment.[7]
The rear seats fold up and a ramp folds out to accommodatewheelchair-bound passengers.[8] Access is further aided by the electrically-operatedsliding rear passenger door.[5][9] The driver's side passenger door remains hinged, however,[7] so oncoming traffic can more easily identify when it is opened and a passenger may step out.[citation needed]
The rear cargo area is spacious enough to hold two large suitcases or four golf bags, while the passenger compartment offers nine inches of headroom due to its high roof.[5] The vehicle comes equipped with built-in soundproofing and air purification, while the high-end "Takumi" trim level includes a ceiling-mounted air circulator and a heating system for the rear seats.[10]
Traditional London black cab makerGeely has attempted to break into the Japanese market with its larger and more expensiveLEVC TX, but it exceeds the Japanesesize classifications to gain the tax advantages the JPN Taxi benefits from.[11] Additionally, while the JPN Taxi doesn't meet the passenger capacity or turning radiusrequired byLondon, it provides favourable emissions performance and accessibility.[12]
Thepowertrain is based on Toyota'sTHS II hybrid system. The engine, a 1.5L1NZ-FXP, is compatible withLPG fuel and uses a maintenance-free electricwater pump.[10] The hybrid system'snickel-metal hydride battery is flat, being situated under the floor.
The JPN Taxi is equipped with 6 SRS airbags (driver, passenger, front side & curtain) as standard, as well as Toyota Safety Senseanti-collision sensors.[13] It received a 5-star safety rating by the Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP).[14][15]
From 2017 to 2020, the JPN Taxi was assembled byToyota Motor East Japan at its Higashi-Fuji plant inSusono, Shizuoka. In December 2020, Toyota Motor East Japan moved production to its Miyagi plant inŌhira, Miyagi.[16][17]
As of May 2018[update], the JPN Taxi accounted for around 10% of Tokyo taxis, while the traditionalToyota Comfort model accounted for around 70%. By mid-2020 (as the2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo were postponed to mid-2021 due to the ongoingCOVID-19 pandemic), Toyota expected the JPN Taxi to account for about one third of the Tokyo fleet.[8] Generous government subsidies help offset the cost of upgrading livery fleets, and Tokyo taxi company Hinomaru Kotsu had replaced two thirds of its 620 cars as of September 2019.[3] Its platform-mate, theToyota Sienta, was the 3rd best selling vehicle in Japan in 2019.[18]
The JPN Taxi debuted in Hong Kong in July 2018 as the Toyota Comfort Hybrid (Chinese:豐田金豐混能的士).[19] It was officially launched in January 2019.[20] The car is distributed by Crown Motors.[21] As of May 2019, 17 Comfort Hybrids are in service and are due to replace the Crown LPG taxisused in Hong Kong.[21] Four of the taxis were brought to Hong Kong initially for research and field testing before they were adopted into service.[22]
In March 2023, Toyota Thailand proposed the Toyota Thai Taxi as an alternative energy vehicle-based taxi. This is a rebadged version of the JPN Taxi.[23][24]
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