ADA 20th Anniversary Debut of MV-1 Factory Built Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2010/07/20 - Updated: 2024/06/18
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Disability Transport Services - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: The Vehicle Production Group showcases MV-1 first mobility vehicle at The National Council on Independent Living Conference. Attendees of this year's NCIL Annual Conference were given a firsthand look at the MV-1, including interacting with the vehicle and experiencing the direct benefits of the car before it hits the market in the fourth quarter of this year.
Introduction
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), The Vehicle Production Group (VPG), a new American car company, presented a breakthrough mobility solution to attendees at The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Annual Conference today. The first designed, engineered and factory-built, wheelchair accessible car - the MV-1 - marks a major milestone for the 14 million American adults who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices that present a significant obstacle for routine activities such as traveling in a car.
Main Content
"VPG is proud to be the first manufacturer to provide people with mobility issues with a purpose-built vehicle that provides ease of entry and exit, as well as a more comfortable ride," said Dave Schembri, CEO of VPG.
Attendees of this year's NCIL Annual Conference were given a firsthand look at the MV-1, including interacting with the vehicle and experiencing the direct benefits of the car before it hits the market in the fourth quarter of this year. NCIL works on a variety of disability rights issues with the vision of creating a world in which people with disabilities are treated equally and have full access and participation.
"For the millions of Americans of all ages and disabilities who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices routine travel presents a significant obstacle, even 20 years after the Americans With Disabilities Act became law," said NCIL Executive Director Kelly Buckland, who spoke at the event. "With the introduction of the MV-1, all of that can change."
In addition to NCIL conference attendees, the unveil was attended by Marc Buoniconti, president of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, a leading spinal cord injury research center that was co-founded by NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti after his son Marc sustained a spinal cord injury during a college football game. Marc and The Miami Project provided extensive input into the design of the MV-1.
"Our organization is pleased to have been so involved in the design input of this first-of-its-kind vehicle," said Marc Buoniconti. "For too long, wheelchair users have been shut out of the process, and any vehicle options to this point have been an afterthought - whereas this vehicle was designed from the ground up with this audience's needs at the forefront."
Starting later this year, the MV-1 will be built in the United States at the AM General assembly plant in Mishawaka, Indiana.
"At a time when the auto industry overall continues to struggle and the country is losing good manufacturing jobs, we are pleased to help create or save upwards of 1,000 jobs between direct and supplier positions nationwide," continued Schembri.
The vehicle features a deployable access ramp with a 1,200-pound weight capacity, a spacious 36-inch entryway, and a roomy interior that seats up to six people comfortably. The vehicle is also available with a manufacturer engineered and assembled compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling system option.
Related Information
- MV-1 The Accessible Taxi of Tomorrow: The MV-1 is the first mobility vehicle designed to provide accessible transportation to fleets municipalities and individuals with physical challenges.
- 2014 Production Launch of Accessible MV-1 Vehicle: Mobility Ventures LLC launches production of 2014 MV-1 universally accessible vehicle with vehicles currently being processed for shipment to its nationwide MV-1 dealer network.
- First Factory Built MV-1 Mobility Vehicle Rolls Off Production Line: MV-1 is the first mobility vehicle factory built and assembled which meets or exceeds vehicle guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- NYC Adds 147 New MV-1's to Access-A-Ride Fleet: New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority adds another 147 new MV-1s to its Access-A-Ride fleet.
- New Wheelchair Accessible MV-1 Empire Taxi for NYC: Fully wheelchair accessible the MV-1 Empire Taxi provides more legroom and luggage space than other taxi vehicles operating in New York City.
- MV-1 Is the First Factory Built Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle: A new American car company and manufacturer of the MV-1, is launching a national road show, The MV-1 Wheels Across America Tour.
- Chicago Taxi Fleet Adds 50 Wheelchair Accessible MV-1s: Chicago to add approximately 50 MV-1 wheelchair-accessible taxis to boost public transportation options for Chicago area residents with disabilities.
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.