One thing that you will learn quickly is that a computer is very dumb. It does exactly what you tell it to do, which is not necessarily what you wanted.

—Introduction to Computer Programming from Berkeley Foundation for Opportunities in Information Technology from here

I happened to be driving past City Hall a few minutes ago and caught sight of the MV-1 manufactured by Vehicle Production Group.

I was able to speak with John Gaydash a former GM executive.

Here are the important details:

• Given its pricing and options, the vehicle is intended to compete directly with ramp (disabled) taxi vans, not regular cabs.
• Production cost should be less than $40k
• Expected MPG of 17 city 22 highway (not officially EPA rated yet)
• Based on a V6 GM truck engine of some sort
• Understandably, John et al. are hitting up City Halls across the country to get their regulatory foot in the door. If they can get municipalities to code this as standard disable cab equipment they’re looking at some real cash.
• This will be the only built-for-purpose taxicab in the North American market.

Thanks John and the VPG crew for stopping by SF!

• Click here for the full flickr photo set.
• Link to VPG’s site

San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency absorbs the Taxi Commission in March, but SFMTA Chief Nathaniel Ford says progress will be slow.