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February 23, 2005
Ford Escape Hybrids Join San Francisco Taxi Fleet
The Progressive City Becomes First in the Country to
Use Hybrid SUVs as Cabs
Fifteen Ford Escape Hybrids are being put into service as part of San Francisco's fleet, according to Mayor Gavin Newsom's office. The SUV hybrids are the first vehicles of their kind to be used as taxis in the country.
Newsom welcomed the Escape City Hall on Tuesday. “San Francisco is proud to be the first city in the United States using hybrid SUVs as taxis," Newsom said. "Our city and county take great pride in being socially responsible, and adding these Escape Hybrids, the most fuel-efficient SUV available, is a big step toward making our civic transportation cleaner and more environmentally friendly.”
Ten of the Escape Hybrids are owned by Yellow Cab Cooperative, which purchased them from San Francisco’s S & C Ford, the other five are operated by Luxor Cab Company, and were also purchased from S&C.
Nate Dwiri, president of the Yellow Cab Co-op, said, the Escape hybrid was ideal for his company because it offered better fuel economy for his company while still giving customers the comfort they desired.
"And it’s the roomier than other hybrids on the market," Dwiri said.
The 2005 Ford Escape is the first SUV hybrid to market; it's top fuel rating is 36 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
Hat tip to Michael!
Posted by Frank at February 23, 2005 12:45 AM | Filed under Auto News
| Ford
| Hybrid
I know that there's a Prius cab in the Vancouver area, and last time I heard about it it had over 300,000 kilometers without a problem.
Good way to test the technology, I guess.
Posted by: Mikhail Capone
at February 23, 2005 12:04 PM
Hey Mike, I spent a loooong time looking for an image of a yellow hybrid taxi bout couldn't find one, and I'm sure they're out there. Keep an eye out for a crazy story about another cab company, that's doing something even more adventuresome. Next week, some time,
FG
Posted by: Frank Giovinazzzi
at February 23, 2005 12:31 PM