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29th Febuary 2008

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced yesterday that the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) will require ‘black cars’ that service corporate clients to increase fuel efficiency standards to levels currently achievable only by using hybrid technology, though these (25 mpg by 2009, 30 mpg by 2010) could be met by some European diesel cars if they were permitted.

The plan to improve the fuel efficiency of the 10,000 black car fleet was envisioned as part of the Mayor's PlaNYC 2030, a set of 127 initiatives aimed at reducing New York's carbon emissions. In December last year, the TLC voted unanimously to approve regulations that will also require all yellow taxis licensed after 1st October 2008 to meet fuel efficiency standards currently only achievable through the use of hybrid technology.

Black cars currently release 272,000 tons of CO2 equivalents annually, which make up 2% of the City's transport-related emissions. Under the new standards, emissions from black cars will be cut in half.

To help drivers finance the down payment associated with buying a new car, the City has worked with partners in the financial sector, dealers, and black car fleets to develop a range of solutions that will finance the higher down payment.

Approximately 10,000 black cars operate in New York, typically through contracts with corporate clients. Currently, black cars average 12-15 mpg. The TLC will require fuel efficiency standards for new licensed black car vehicles of 25mpg in 2009 and 30mpg in 2010. Also included in the proposed rule change is a requirement for vehicle retirement. The TLC currently does not set a vehicle retirement age for for-hire vehicles as it does for yellow taxis. There will be a retirement phase-in cycle that will ensure almost all vehicles associated with black car bases are more fuel-efficient by 2013. Under the new standards, emissions from black cars will then be cut in half.

The TLC estimates that hybrid cars will save owner-operator drivers upwards of $5,000 per year in gasoline expenses - approximately 50% of their current fuel costs. These savings will allow drivers to cover, in just one year, the additional cost of purchasing a new hybrid car over the currently used Lincoln Town Car. As part of PlaNYC, the City proposed a State law to waive the City portion of the sales tax for vehicles that meet the EPA Elite standards for energy efficient vehicles It is also working with the Partnership for New York City, a group of international companies committed to cutting CO2 emissions in the city, and several financial institutions, on a programme to provide financing.

After consultation with users, fleets, and drivers - including demonstrations of the new vehicle types - the Mayor's Office of Long-term Planning and Sustainability and the TLC have identified several models that will have widespread acceptance, including: Toyota Camry Hybrid, 33mpg (city); Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 27mpg (city); Nissan Altima Hybrid, 35 mpg (city); and Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD, 34 mpg (city). Other models may include: Lexus Rx400h AWD, Ford Escape Hybrid AWD, and Toyota Prius.

Two dealers for what NYC says are the most promising vehicles - Best Ford Taxi and Hudson Toyota / Penske Automotive Group - have committed to making financing packages available to black car drivers.

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