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After nearly doubling sales of Pathfinder since the October 2012 introduction of an all-new fourth-generation design, Nissan’s iconic SUV took another major step forward today with the world debut of the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid at a press conference at the New York International Auto Show.

The Pathfinder Hybrid, the first of several upcoming Nissan hybrid models, is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers in the United States in late summer. Featuring a supercharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine, 15 kW electric motor and advanced Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch hybrid control system, it will be priced at around $3,000 USD above the standard 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine-powered Pathfinder models.

Also making its New York debut today was the wheelchair accessible version of the Nissan NV200 Taxi, which will become available as part of Nissan’s NV200 “Taxi of Tomorrow” program that rolls out this coming fall. Converted by Indiana-based BraunAbility, the NV200 Mobility Taxi features a rear ramp and an industry-first integrated restraint system that provides safe and quick securing of wheelchairs. The rear ramp access eliminates the need for wheelchair users to cross traffic to enter or exit – an important feature for New York City’s network of one-way streets. The Nissan Mobility Taxi looks and functions like a standard NV200 Taxi until the mobility function is needed.

Said Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Executive Vice President Andy Palmer: “Our mindset at Nissan is to lead the way with innovative solutions to the challenges of modern, sustainable mobility with the goal of reaching 100 percent zero emissions, like the LEAF. That means creating cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles like the Pathfinder Hybrid that serve people on the move, and vehicles like the NV200 Mobility Taxi that offer expanded functionality while keeping a small environmental footprint.”

Both vehicles will be on display throughout the New York International Auto Show’s consumer days – March 29th through April 7th – at Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan.

Palmer also announced that the next generation Nissan Murano, scheduled for the 2015 model year, will be based on the recently introduced Resonance Concept and will include a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

Among the other Nissan vehicles featured at the show is the Nissan NV200 “Gibson Repair & Restoration Van,” a custom designed mobile version of the fabled Gibson Guitars’ Repair & Restoration shop in Nashville, Tenn.

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Making its New York debut today was the wheelchair accessible version of the Nissan NV200 Taxi, which will become available as part of Nissan’s NV200 “Taxi of Tomorrow” program that rolls out this coming fall.

Converted by Indiana-based BraunAbility, the NV200 Mobility Taxi features a rear ramp and an industry-first integrated restraint system that provides safe and quick securing of wheelchairs. The rear ramp access eliminates the need for wheelchair users to cross traffic to enter or exit – an important feature for New York City’s network of one-way streets. The Nissan Mobility Taxi looks and functions like a standard NV200 Taxi until the mobility function is needed.

“The ability to make sure that we can produce cars that basically appeal to everyone including those people needing the accessibility option is an important part of our whole ethos,” said Nissan’s executive vice president, Andy Palmer.

This wheelchair accessible taxi looks and functions like a standard Taxi of Tomorrow.  The only difference is the added mobility functions.  New York City’s Taxi of Tomorrow is set to be on city streets later this fall.