New Taxi Debuts to Industry Regulators Featuring Enhanced Comfort, Safety and Access for All

The Vehicle Production Group LLC "Re-invents" Industry with Unique, Purpose- Built Taxi Specifically for Taxi Use

SEATTLE, Sept. 20 -- A new automaker is reinventing an old transportation business -- the taxi industry. Taxi regulators are getting the first look at Vehicle Production Group's "Standard Taxi" during the International Association of Transportation Regulators 19th Annual Conference this week at the Seattle Renaissance Hotel. This low-volume purpose-built vehicle has been engineered specifically for taxi and paratransit fleets.

"The Standard Taxi fills a void in the transportation marketplace," said Marc Klein, president of The Vehicle Production Group LLC. "Not only does it address problems that exist with vehicles currently used as taxicabs such as lack of comfort, space, and cleanliness, but it accommodates passengers of all ages and abilities."

Designed and engineered by seasoned engineers from the automotive industry who utilized extensive input from the taxicab industry across North America, the Standard Taxi meets a major industry need for a cost-efficient taxi that addresses all the concerns of its many users, from taxicab owners, to drivers, to the riding public.

Passenger Benefits - Safety and Accessibility for All

The Standard Taxi has seating positions for four passengers in the rear compartment and has additional space that is compliant with the vehicle standards of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Passengers can easily enter the taxi by either stepping inside the vehicle or by using a standard recessed access ramp.

With a focus on safety, the Standard Taxi is designed with anti-lock brakes, a strong frame and body structure, and energy-absorbing bumpers. The easy-to-maintain interior helps to guarantee that passengers will always have clean seating surfaces and floors. In addition, the extra-large trunk space is big enough to carry four hard-case golf bags and a full-size spare tire.

Taxicab Owner/Driver Benefits - Cost and Comfort

While the typical taxi fleet vehicle is a retrofit of a mass-market passenger model, the Standard Taxi was built from the ground up only to be a taxi. The Standard Taxi saves taxi owners and operators money by offering a vehicle that not only retails at a price competitive with taxicab vehicles currently in operation, but also minimizes service and repair costs.

Many of the Standard Taxi's exterior panels are interchangeable, minimizing service and collision repair costs. Parts such as head lights, tail lights, tires, brakes, exhaust, oil filter, and air filter are readily available at regional retail parts suppliers. The easy-to-maintain interior also is a cost saving. Finally, the vehicle's unpainted primer finish allows taxi companies to customize paint work locally and inexpensively so that they can comply with local taxi "color scheme" regulations.

For drivers, the Standard Taxi has been specifically engineered to take into consideration long hours behind the wheel, so it is equipped with an ergonomically designed upright driver's seat to prevent sore backs. Other driver benefits include a "safety partition" which separates the driver from passengers, an easy-to-read dashboard display with taxi-specific message center, an "office" style console layout, and driver-controlled door locks with separate left and right unlock control that is integrated with unique passenger exit lighting.

"The industry eagerly anticipates seeing the Standard Taxi on the road," said Brian McBride, President of the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA).

The Vehicle Production Group LLC has been funded in part by the principals of Andlinger & Company, Inc., a private investment firm founded by Gerhard Andlinger in 1976. In addition, Chicago fleet owner Patton Corrigan is a major contributor.

With the conclusion of the International Association of Transportation Regulators Conference, The Vehicle Production Group will focus efforts on the 88th Annual Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association Convention in Las Vegas from October 8-11, 2006.

About The Vehicle Production Group LLC

Based in Troy, Mich., The Vehicle Production Group LLC was founded in 2006 as an original equipment manufacturer of a purpose-built taxicab, the Standard Taxi, which has been designed and engineered specifically for taxicab and paratransit fleets. Vehicle production is scheduled to begin the fourth quarter of 2007. For more information, please visit www.standardtaxi.com.