Saturn Hybrid debuts as NYC taxi

Saturn Hybrid debuts as NYC taxi

A Saturn VUE Green Line recently was put into service as a taxi in New York City.  This is the first GM vehicle to be approved by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission since 1996 when GM discontinued the rear wheel drive Caprice. GM's goal is to show other taxi operators that the VUE Green Line is an affordable hybrid taxi vehicle.

The VUE Hybrid vehicle , now in service, has received very favorable comments from the driver and customers, according to owner/operator Placida Robinson. The Hybrid VUE has a sunroof and premium stereo system. It also the lowest priced hybrid SUV on the market—MSRP under $23,000. The VUE Green Line was an attractive fit for Ms. Robinson because it met the Commission's hybrid requirement, was competitively priced (under $23,000 MSRP), and offered excellent cargo capacity. She says that customer reaction has been very positive so far. Riders apparently like the hybrid and have commented that as taxis go, it's one of the nicer ones they've been in.

Michelle Krebs:  is Editor-in-Chief of AutoObserver.com. Follow @AutoObserver on Twitter.