Ford To Market Transit Taxi Globally

Ford Motor Co. plans to introduce the taxi version of its Transit Connect van globally, beginning in Hong Kong next spring.

The taxi debuted in the U.S. three years ago. The second-generation 2014 model is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

The five-passenger van is longer and has a lower floor than the previous model. Ford says it lowered the vehicle's overall height so taxi operators can affix advertising displays on the roof.

All Hong Kong taxi models will be fitted with a system to burn liquefied petroleum gas, a plentiful fuel in that city. A similar system that also can burn compressed natural gas is optional in the American market.