MV-1 - Canada's Newest Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
Provides Exclusive Shuttle Service At The 2012 Canadian International Auto Show
TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - The MV-1 - the world's first factory-built vehicle manufactured "from the ground up" for wheelchair accessibility is now available to all Canadians. The vehicle, approved by Ministry of Transportation for import, begins shipping this week.
"We are very excited to introduce the MV-1 to the Canadian marketplace," says Fred Drasner, Chairman and CEO of the Vehicle Production Group LLC (VPG), manufacturers of the MV-1 in the United States. "Our partners at MV-1 Canada have played a pivotal role in helping us shape the MV-1 for the consumer market. We are grateful to Nick and Peter Grande of MV-1 Canada for the inroads they have made to make the MV-1 available to all Canadians."
The MV-1 will make its Canadian debut at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS), February 17th to 26th, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). And, as the exclusive wheelchair accessible shuttle service sponsor, the MV-1 will provide complimentary transportation for CIAS visitors with disabilities between the MTCC's North and South buildings.
"The market for accessible transportation in Canada is large and it is growing rapidly along with Canada's aging population," says Nick Grande, CEO of MV-1 Canada. "The MV-1 is the world's first factory-built wheelchair accessible vehicle built to meet the unique physical needs of those with mobility and other disability issues and their caregivers."
There are 179,000 Canadians with a disability who are permanently confined to a wheelchair and an additional 590,000 who have other mobility issues1 requiring some form of assistive device. Only four percent of Canadians who require a wheelchair currently own an accessible vehicle. Before the arrival of the MV-1, this market has been serviced by vehicles which have been converted on an after-market basis.
"Because the MV-1 requires no conversion, it's an easy choice for people who need an accessible vehicle, whether for personal use or livery applications," says Mr. Grande. "We have just received approval from the City of Toronto for the MV-1 to be used for accessible transportation by taxi car, limousine and para-transit companies. This will benefit many Torontonians who cannot take commercial or public transit today."
The MV-1 comes with more safety features, has a longer service life, is available for a significantly lower purchase price, is more cost-effective and environmentally efficient to operate, and offers a more comfortable ride than the converted vehicle alternatives.
Designed by VPG, with the best-in-class Ford power train and assembled by AM General in the U.S., the MV-1 meets or exceeds: Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) guidelines, U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), Americans with Disabilities Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Canadian D-409 accessible vehicle standards for commercial vehicles.
The MV-1 has incorporated a number of state-of-the-art technologies to improve accessibility and functionality including the larger side entryway and a manual or optional automatic, retractable access ramp which can withstand up to 1200 pounds. The non-slip ramp disappears between the floor and the frame to keep it protected from the elements while the extra wide and high door opening can easily accommodate any size wheelchair and scooter. MV-1 is also working towards offering the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) option to the Canadian market delivering a green solution with an approximate driving range of 460 kms.
The MV-1's interior layout provides comfortable and spacious room up front for a wheelchair passenger and room for another wheelchair behind. The roomy interior allows easy manoeuvrability inside the vehicle and a generous trunk storage space that can hold six full-size suitcases and two golf bags. Several optional packages are available including the Accessible Driver option with transfer seat and hand controls; a Premium Entertainment package and a winter protection package - all comparable to current automotive manufacturers.
The MV-1 will be initially available through 17 MEDIChair dealers across Canada with a planned expansion to almost 30 dealers within the next two years. Backed by a three-year, 60,000 kms, bumper-to-bumper and five-year, 120,000 kms, ramp warranty, MV1 Canada has carefully selected a complete network of over 500 automotive service centres across Canada to handle MV-1 servicing. VPG recently named Ally Financial as the preferred provider of financing for VPG vehicles in the US. Canadian consumers will also be able to arrange financing through Ally Financial.
For further information on the MV-1, consumers can visit www.mv1canada.com or call 1-888-870-8147.
About MV-1 Canada
MV-1 Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of the MV-1, the world's first factory built accessible vehicle. The MV-1 is built and designed by the Vehicle Product Group of Miami, FL (VPG). VPG was established in 2006 with the goal of designing and building the first vehicle to meet and exceed the guidelines for the Americans with Disabilities Act. MV-1 Canada, a recently incorporated operating subsidiary of the Motion Group of Companies, is dedicated to sales and service of the MV-1.
MV-1 Canada can be reached at 1-888-870-8147, on the web at www.mv1canada.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mv1can or on twitter at #mv1can.
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1 StatsCan 2011
Norma Meneguzzi Spall
The Results Group PR
Tel - 416-686-9110 / Cell - 416-209-1216 / [email protected]
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