10 hybrid vehicles from General Motors will be added to Dubai's current fleet of taxis in January 2008. GM will deliver the new vehicles starting this month, shipping five Chevrolet Tahoe hybrids and five Malibu hybrids.
The addition of the hybrid cars is part of Dubai's wider plans to provide a transport system that is environment-friendly.
The eco-friendly cars will undergo a one-year trial to assess their efficiency in Dubai's weather conditions and advantage over ordinary taxis. If successful, Dubai will increase the number of hybrid taxis and introduce hybrid buses in the roads in the future.
According to Terry Johnsson, president of General Motors Middle East Operations, the GM hybrid vehicles have the ability to save up to 50% on fuel in city operations.
Hybrid Taxis in Dubai
Chevrolet Tahoe and Malibu Cabs
Trend Themes
1. Hybrid Taxis - The rise of hybrid taxis could lead to increased demand for hybrid cars from taxi companies worldwide.
2. Eco-friendly Transport - The trend towards eco-friendly transport is likely to continue, opening up new markets for manufacturers of hybrid and electric vehicles.
3. Efficient Vehicles - The increased focus on fuel efficiency in the transport sector could drive innovation and investment in more efficient vehicles and infrastructure.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The automotive industry is poised to benefit from the shift towards more eco-friendly transport options.
2. Transportation - The transportation industry is likely to see disruptive innovation as a result of the trend towards hybrid and electric vehicles.
3. Energy - The energy industry could experience disruption as a result of the shift towards more efficient transport infrastructure and vehicles.