Source: www.ameinfo.com
Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributors for Toyota in the UAE, launched their very own running meter at the 59th UITP World Congress and Mobility and City Transport Exhibition. The exercise is designed to highlight the number of kilometres clocked up by Toyota taxis across the UAE.
The meter will run for the duration of the four day event on the Al-Futtaim Motors stand alongside two vehicles that represent Toyota’s contribution to today’s UAE taxi fleet and the UAE taxi of the future.
Commenting on Toyota’s presence at UITP, Hugh Dickerson, Senior General Manager Sales and Marketing at Al Futtaim Motors, said, “With the perfect combination of low total cost of ownership and absolute fitness for purpose it’s no surprise that almost 70% of all taxis in the UAE are Toyotas. It is incredible the distances these taxis cover every day and visitors to our stand at the UITP exhibition can witness how many kilometres are clocked up every second as these taxis keep the UAEmoving.”
Demonstrating todays’ taxi on the Al-Futtaim Motors’ stand, is the Toyota Innova with its 7-seat flexibility and consistent ability to cover over 600,000 km in three years. Mr Dickerson commented, “It is practical, hugely reliable and offers a remarkably low total cost of ownership (TCO); all good reasons why the Toyota Innova is a popular choice for so many Taxi operators across the Emirates.”
The future taxi is represented by the Toyota Camry hybrid. The actual car on display is one of seven cars currently operating in a hybrid pilot study with Dubai Taxi Corporation. Mr Dickerson explained, “Since entering service in August 2008 they have covered over 3,000,000 km with 100% reliability.” During this period its green credentials have recorded savings of 100,000 litres of fuel, reduced CO2 emissions by 245 tonnes and impressed drivers and passengers alike with their smooth performance and near silent operation.
Mr Dickerson concluded, “The Camry Hybrid indicates the future of the taxi by further lowering TCO, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.”
