Car services are necessary in our society. They provide efficient public transport, facilitating convenient door-to-door transit services and various other sustainable travel options. They are an integral part of the multimodal mobility chain, broadening public transport portfolio. Taxis play a significant role in providing highly accessible transport services in decentralized remote housing areas, which helps fill in the gaps left by transitional mass transits. The competitiveness in the car services sector has improved public transport chain and customer services.
Among many, Uber is one of the largest and the most reliable transport network companies, headquartered in San Francisco, California and operated internationally. Through Uber mobile app, consumers can submit their trip request and make confirmations instantly with the drivers who use their own cars. Uber is now an important element in our transport system not only for enforcing the public transport mobility chain but also providing cars with extra comfort characteristics.
Vehicles used in Uber services meet roadworthiness and suitability criteria depending upon the intended market that the taxi will be driven in. A car for short trips with light loads may not be advantageous for long trips with large loads. Therefore, Uber uses different type of cars for different scenario. These cars may differ in many different aspects according to requirements such as trip length, load size, road conditions, extra, luxury and comfort, etc.
Uber is a heavily regulated transport network, providing various transport options to the consumers. In the United States, Uber car services are mainly used in larger cities and to carry passengers to and from airports, requiring short trips with light loads. Therefore, mechanical longevity, passenger comfort, low fuel efficiency, larger boot space, cost efficient maintenance and keepup, etc, some of the crucial factors considerable for Uber cabs.
So, here are top 10 cars to own to be an Uber driver
Ford Crown Victoria
Ford Crown Victoria
The Ford Crown Victoria is a full-size rear-wheel drive sedan, produced from the 1992 to the 2012 model years over two generations by Ford. Also known as the “Crown Vic”, it is one of the most widely used cars for taxi services, mostly noticeable in New York City cabbies. Discontinued in the 2011 model year, this car is often available as used models which are usually well maintained and sold for a bit of their real prices. They are spacious and offer superior passenger comfort. Although its production is discontinued, used models will be available for years to come.
Ford Escape Hybrid
Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid is a SUV, launched in the U.S. in 2004 for the 2005 model year by Ford. It was the first American-built hybrid SUV to hit the market which was followed by the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrids during the same model year. This gasoline-electric hybrid powered version was designed to combat the pollution caused by non-hybrid vehicles. This hybrid SUV provides maximum efficiency and performance and at all loads and speeds through its advanced system that operates either with a combination of gasoline and electric battery working together or it can switch automatically between a pure gasoline engine power and a pure electric power. Experts show that the hybrid version is 70% more efficient and much lower emissions than the regular Escape.
Toyota Prius Hybrid
Toyota Prius 2010
Developed and manufactured by Toyota, the Prius is a full hybrid electric mid-size hatchback, formerly a compact sedan that has been in production since 1997. This vehicle is rated as one of the cleanest automobiles based on smog-forming emissions. The mechanical longevity, low emissions, great mileage, compact size, etc, has made this hybrid among the most popular car services vehicles, typically acclaimed in the European and the US markets. In June 2013, the Toyota Prius Hybrid has passed the 3 million sales mark.
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
Manufactured and marketed by Dodge, the Grand Caravan is a fifth generation passenger minivan and has been in production since 2008. The first generation Dodge Caravan was introduced for model year 1984 and is recognized as a pioneering example of the minivan configuration. This long-wheelbase minivan comes with roomy interior, fuel efficiency, and also accommodates various other features that meet the demands of minivan market, and especially used to transport group of passengers by most taxi services. Both used and new models offer great value for use in the car services industry.
Ford Mondeo
Ford Mondeo
Manufactured by Ford since 1992, the Ford Mondeo is a mid-size or large family car. This automobile is an excellent car services vehicle for not only providing roomy interior, fuel efficiency, cost efficient maintenance, but also comforts in driving on country roads.
Nissan NV200
Nissan NV200
Purposefully designed taxi services, Nissan NV200 are a light commercial vehicle, produced by Nissan. It is one of the most popular car services vehicles used by many taxi providers because of its taxi oriented features such as higher fuel efficiency, lower emissions, more spacious and comfortable interior, dual sliding doors with retractable enter/exit footstep, etc.
VPG MV-1
VPG MV-1
Designed by Vehicle Production Group (VPG), the MV-1 (Mobility Vehicle-1) is a commercial vehicle, purposefully built for taxicab with an option of wheelchair transport capability. The MV-1 was the first North-American production-made vehicle, specially designed for people with disabilities. This roomy and comfortable vehicle can easily accommodate 6 adults with 2 full-size wheelchairs. The MV-1 was approved for use as a yellow cab by New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission in 2011.
2002-2006 Toyota Camry
2002-2004 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry XV30 for the model year 2002 was a 4-door wide-bodied larger sedan. Spanning multiple generation, the Camry has gained huge popularity due to Toyota’s reputation for reliability, quality and durability. This automobile is sold internationally and has surpassed various other competitions over the years. It is also acknowledged as one of the best car services vehicles because of fuel efficiency, comfortable interior, etc.
VW Passat
VW Passat
Produced by the German manufacturer Volkswagen, the VW Passat is a large family car, spanning through eight design generations since its production since 1973. Its North-American model, launched in 2011 is a mid-size sedan with enhanced fuel efficiency and well presented, spacious interior, making it an excellent taxi with new level of comforts.
Hyundai i30
2013 Hyundai i30
Hyundai i30 is the South Korean built family car that has been in production since 2007. All its models are good-value vehicles and well equipped with roomy and smart interior, providing excellent driving manners. It features a good built quality with fuel efficiency and cost-efficient maintenance as well.