Passat B5 Introduced into Taxi Service in Shanghai

First 30 brand-new Passat B5 cabs went on streets in Shanghai December 24. Residents and tourists in the city can now have more choices while taking a taxi round. Formerly, most taxicabs running in Shanghai are Santana cars, according to Shanghai Volkswagen Taxi Company.

Passat B5 is the top grade used in taxi service in China. To cater to various needs of passengers, the Shanghai Volkswagen Taxi Company keeps the fare flat. That is to say, the charging system for Passat B5 remains the same as that of Santana.

The introduction of Passat B5 marks the third time renewal of taxicabs in Shanghai. The first time upgrading of cab service in Shanghai was the launch of red-color Santana by the yearend of 1988. Then on the National Day of 1995, the Shanghai Volkswagen Taxi Company began to use Santana 2000.

And this time before Passat B5 was put to service, the company made a survey among Shanghai citizens about the "The Best Type of Vehicle in My Mind". Passat B5 stood out first among the seven types of listed cars and won 40 percent votes out of the 1,500 valid questionnaire.

By PD Online Staff Yin Zhili

People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/