2013 New York Auto Show: Nissan unveils NV200 mobility taxi

Nissan has unveiled a special version of its NV200 (known as the Evalia in the Indian market) taxi for the US which will cater to those who are differently-abled. Dubbed the NV200 mobility taxi, it has been designed in association with Braun Ability, an American company that specialises in converting vehicles to make them wheelchair friendly.

The NV200 taxi functions normally until a person with a wheelchair needs to get in. The taxi driver folds down the second row of seats and opens the door at the back. He/she then unfolds a wheelchair ramp at the back and after the assisting the person to get in, ensures that they and the wheelchair are strapped in. This is done via front and rear tie down straps for the wheelchair and lap and shoulder belts for the passenger. The ramp can be folded back to its vertical position once the passenger is safely strapped in. The system has been designed in excess of the regulations stated by the American Disabilities Association (ADA) so it is expected to comply with many global standards in this regard.    

The Nissan NV200 taxi is the commercial version of the NV200 van or better known to us as the Evalia which was launched for the Indian market in September last year. In its global form the NV200 has already international success after being chosen as the future fleet vehicle for the cities of London and New York.

How is such a vehicle relevant to us? For starters, with around 70 to 80 million differently-abled people in our country alone such vans or specially configured vehicles will play an increasingly important role in providing mobility solutions for them. The NV200 is also what the next the next generation India spec Nissan Evalia will look like. Its electric sibling is also a glimpse into what future mass movers will function like.