Hyundai Motor Company launched the Sonata Taxi, the only mid-size sedan taxi-exclusive model in Korea, on the 3rd. Although this Sonata was produced at Hyundai's Beijing plant in China, the purchasing process and after-sales service are the same as for domestically manufactured vehicles.
In July, Hyundai discontinued the 7th generation Sonata LPG taxi model, the last remaining mid-size internal combustion engine taxi model. This was due to losses incurred as production continued amid difficulties in securing parts. However, the taxi industry strongly opposed the disappearance of an affordable taxi-exclusive model priced in the 20 million KRW range. In response, Hyundai devised a plan to produce taxis at its Chinese plant and import them to Korea.
The newly released 8th generation Sonata Taxi features a taxi-exclusive LPG engine, transmission, and tires with enhanced durability. Additionally, the wheelbase was extended by 70mm to expand the rear seat space, providing passengers with a comfortable riding environment.
Hyundai equipped the Sonata Taxi with safety features such as first and second-row side airbags, rollover-responsive curtain airbags, lane departure prevention assist, and intelligent speed limit assist. It also includes the next-generation infotainment system, ccNC, and supports over-the-air (OTA) wireless software updates to keep the vehicle up to date.
The Sonata Taxi is offered in a single trim with simplified optional features. The sales price starts at 24.8 million KRW for corporate and individual (general taxpayers) taxis and 22.54 million KRW for individual taxis (simplified taxpayers and tax-exempt).
Meanwhile, Hyundai also introduced a new design of the "Smart Taxi Sign" to improve urban aesthetics and enhance taxi safety. The Smart Taxi Sign integrates the traditional taxi sign and vacant light into one product. While the existing taxi sign was mounted on the center of the vehicle roof, the new taxi sign is installed on the B-pillar (the frame between the front and rear doors), giving it a sleek appearance.
LED display panels are applied to the front and rear to improve visibility and reduce accident risks. A projector mounted next to the sign projects a stop signal onto the ground, allowing bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians approaching from behind to recognize when passengers are alighting.
A Hyundai official stated, "The Sonata Taxi is equipped with a taxi-exclusive powertrain and expanded rear passenger space, offering specialized product features. We ask for great interest in the Sonata Taxi, which stands out as a taxi-exclusive model."
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