Toyota reveals new taxi

Anyone that has caught a cab in Tokyo will not forget the experience in a hurry. The cabs come in the shape of throwback Toyota and Nissan models like the Crown and Cedric that have their origins in another era. They're cars designed and built more than 20 years ago but still manufactured today because they fill a specific need.

Their popularity extends to other parts of South East Asia where they are also used as taxis but it looks like the Crown's run could finally be coming to an end, with the launch this week of an all new car designed especially for the role.

Toyota's new take on the Tokyo taxi is a modern, hi-tech model powered by a fuel saving LPG based hybrid system, with gas and electric motors. The boxy upright design of the JPN Taxi Concept bears more than a passing resemblance to the London cab.

It targets ease of entry and exit and a comfortable interior with a size that will deliver outstanding manoeuvrability in Tokyo's crowded city streets. It employs a new, economical liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) hybrid system with excellent environmental performance that has been optimised for taxi driving patterns.

The design features familiar taxi proportions, with an electrically operated sliding door on the passenger-seat side. The display panel and lamps were selected with visibility and safety in mind.

The interior design conveys hospitality, placing priority on universal design principles and modern expression. A large monitor provides information to passengers, such as the route to the destination and taxi fares. Air conditioning and lighting have also been optimised to provide the most comfortable space possible. For the driver, there are specially designed instruments and gauges for taxi use.

The vehicle has been created in line with the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's promotion of barrier-free buses and taxis tailored to regional needs.

This reporter is on Twitter: @IamChrisRiley