AM General taxi production to start in 2010

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Standard Taxi to be built at AM General in Mishawaka

The Vehicle Production Group of Troy, Mich. received the financing to begin producing the "Standard Taxi," similar to the one pictured, at AM General in Mishawaka. (Photo courtesy Vehicle Production Group)

By Tiffany Griffin

SOUTH BEND — AM General received some good news this weekend.

The Vehicle Production Group LLC, which has a contract with AM General to build taxis, received the financing it needed to go through with the project.

Taxi production is projected to begin during the first quarter of 2010 in Mishawaka, according to a release.

"This is wonderful news," said Craig Mac Nab, AM General spokesman.

Financing had been the last necessary ingredient for production to be planned at AM General’s Mishawaka plant.

AM General produces the Humvee military vehicle and Hummer H2 civilian vehicle in Mishawaka. The Hummer H2 is marketed by General Motors Corp.

According to the release, the equity financing for $160 million was led by Perseus LLC, a merchant bank and private equity fund management company.

The vehicle, originally called the Standard Taxi, is described as a front-engine, rear-wheel drive vehicle with a durable bond-on-frame structure. Vehicle access is said to be compliant with the vehicle requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The vehicle includes an integrated automatic ramp that will provide quick and easy access of individuals who use wheelchairs, motorized scooters and other mobility devices.

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