They’re calling it the “Taxi of Tomorrow,” and its manufacturer, Karsan, says if New York City approves, they pledged to locate a manufacturing facility at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Sunset Park, potentially bringing hundreds of new jobs to Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, along with state Senator Eric Adams, union officials and disability and transportation advocates gathered this past Sunday at Brooklyn Borough Hall to call for the selection of Karsan as the manufacturer of New York City’s “Taxi of Tomorrow,” a contest by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, requesting public input to a potential new taxi design.

The Brooklyn brood on Sunday loved the design and utility of Karsan's model so much – a panoramic glass roof; and a factory-installed automated ramp providing wheelchair access from the curb, on either side, directly into the passenger area – they decided to hold a press conference about it, parking two models of the favored taxis right on Borough Hall's plaza.

“Karsan has pledged to build these taxis right here in Brooklyn, USA, in partnership with the Axis Group,” said BP Markowitz. “Given the economic climate we find ourselves in, there is nothing more important than ‘jobs, jobs, jobs.’ Bringing Karsan to Brooklyn would create up to 800 new jobs right here, right now.”

State Senator Eric Adams echoed his sentiments: “The opening of their new automobile plant would help to revitalize Brooklyn’s business community, and serve as a much needed alternative to outsourcing. Coupled with the fact that this automobile plant would build wheelchair accessible taxi cabs, this is a win-win for all New Yorkers.”

The TLC should be making a decision any day now. If the Karsan V1 is selected, New York City will become the world’s first city whose entire taxi fleet is fully accessible and compliant with the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

What do you think about Karsan’s taxi design? Does it strike you as “quintessential New York?