Prototype Urban Taxi: A New Approach

A team of industrial design students designed and built a prototype urban taxi that overcomes several disadvantages of contemporary production taxis including: inadequate interior driver and passenger space, bulky exterior dimensions, and inconvenience to physically handicapped passengers. The vehicle employs a diesel powerplant in the interest of operating economy, reliability, and decreased air pollution. The body, consisting of flat panels fastened to a simple steel rollcage, is suited to low volume production and simple maintenance. Aesthetically, the vehicle was designed to harmonize visually with the urban environment.