Early 80's Peugeot creates a buzz with its New York taxis, with its 504 and 505 diesel models.
Here are a few more details.
In 1979, the Sochaux-based manufacturer responded to a call for tenders and won the contract for the complete renewal of taxis in New York and Los Angeles, which represented 600 vehicles in each of these large cities. The contract was obtained, and at the beginning of 1980, Peugeot delivered 1200 505 turbo diesel models ready to transport passengers along the main avenues of New York and Los Angeles. A publicity asset that would allow 15,000 units to be sold during 1982. Even the trendy intellectuals of the East Coast would be won over by the 505 estate.
Compared to the big Fords and Chevrolets generally used as taxis and which run on gasoline, Peugeots had a big advantage: their significantly lower fuel consumption. While big American cars need 15 liters of gasoline every 100 km on average, the 505s make do with 9 liters of diesel, which is also more affordable. NYC taxis are SRDTs. The very first TDs available were reserved for the US.
Thanks to this contract, the 505 benefited from good publicity and its launch was successful: in 1982, nearly 15,000 units were sold, while the 604, the other model sold by the brand in the United States, only found about 300 buyers. The 505 was appreciated and even won over the Cumberland police in Maine. Indeed, Peugeot won this contract in 1983 and 505s made up the fleet of this brigade. The American police officers, used to driving large Ford Crown Victorias, found themselves driving a "Frenchie" car. A promising start that unfortunately would not last due to its high price. In addition, in 1983, anti-pollution legislation became stricter and the sale of diesel vehicles that met the imposed standards became almost impossible. Only the petrol versions remained in the 505 range. And taxi drivers in New York and Los Angeles are returning to their old habits by favoring, for example, the Chevrolet Caprice.
Peugeot, having a hard tooth, decided to repeat the experience in September 1988, with the 405. An experience that would quickly turn into a disaster despite the efforts made by the manufacturer in terms of equipment and price. Following this failure, Peugeot left the United States in 1991.
To this day, Peugeot has never set foot in the United States again and its return is no longer planned.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF THE 505 YELLOW CAB
Type: Peugeot 505 2.3 turbo diesel
Engine: 4 cylinders in line
Displacement: 2304 cm3
Bore x stroke: 94 x 83mm
Power: 80 hp at 4150 rpm.
Fuel supply: Bosch injection, Garrett T03 turbo compressor
Distribution: overhead camshaft
Ignition: electronic
Transmission: to the rear wheels, 3-speed automatic gearbox
Tires: 185 SR 14
Wheelbase: 274 cm
Front/rear tracks: 146/143 cm
Length: 474 cm
Width: 172 cm
Height: 145 cm
Weight: 1340 kg
Maximum speed: 170 km/h
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