Mobility Ventures LLC, designer and manufacturer of the acclaimed MV-1, the only American made vehicle specifically engineered from the ground up in support of wheelchair users and people with other disabilities, has unveiled its revolutionary new 2016 MV-1 model.
Highlighting the roster of new features on the 2016 MV-1 is a power passenger door, operated by a remote keyless fob to provide people using wheelchairs with a new level of independence. The power passenger door can be paired with MV-1’s innovative side-entry power ramp and a new optional power liftgate to create a complete suite of automated functions for the wheelchair passenger or driver.
“The 2016 MV-1 is the undisputed leader in transportation for people with disabilities. The evolution of the MV-1 reflects our passion for producing a vehicle that combines affordability and durability with comfort and safety for all passengers,” said Pat Kemp, executive vice president, Mobility Ventures. “The enhancements to the 2016 MV-1 make this versatile, universally accessible vehicle an even better choice for consumers, government fleets and taxi markets.”
The 2016 MV-1 was released in a ceremony celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) in New York City.
Former Senator Tom Harkin, architect of the ADA, previewed the vehicle in New York and said, “I have always thought that my most important work in the United States Senate was passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was the right thing to do 25 years ago and it has changed life for the better for millions of Americans. Mobility is central to leading a full life. I salute Mobility Ventures for making a difference and improving life for so many.”
Harkin urged the adoption of 100-percent accessibility for taxi fleets, and praised the MV-1’s utility for taxi service.
“It is time to make a determined effort to have every taxi in every city in America fully accessible,” said Harkin. “I also commend Mobility Ventures for their leadership in design and manufacture of accessible taxis. I predict that even people without disabilities, if given a choice, will prefer accessible taxis.”
James Weisman, president and CEO, United Spinal Association, said, “Mobility Ventures is the first auto manufacturer to design a factory built vehicle for wheelchair and scooter users. People with disabilities represent an increasing segment of our population. Rental car companies, taxi and para transit fleets and families that include wheelchair users should buy the MV- 1. We appreciate Mobility Ventures’ efforts to design for our members.”
The MV-1 is redefining accessible transportation with a built-in side-entry power ramp, ample head room, and seating for up to five which includes the ability to safely accommodate two wheelchair users at a time—one of whom rides in the front and the other in the spacious passenger area —making it the perfect solution for consumers, commercial use, and government fleets. And at Mobility Ventures, safety comes first. The MV-1 safety record is unmatched by any wheelchair accessible vehicle, based on federal NHTSA safety recall data for aftermarket conversion vans. Additionally, the MV-1 meets all Buy America requirements.
Other upgrades newly available on the 2016 MV-1 include:
- New Ford 3.7L V6 with 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Automatic Transmission features Progressive Range Select, and Full Manual Function for towing and operational efficiency
- Enhanced occupant protection with side curtain and thoracic airbags
- New “Freedom Red” Metallic Paint Option
- New electrical architecture
- Enhanced front and rear windshield wiper function and controls
- Upgraded interior controls, features, and amenities including:
- Complimentary interior power ramp controls
- Instrument cluster with accent lighting
- Relocated cruise control indicator
- Relocated dome light controls
- Improved ambient light sensor for automatic headlight activation
- Enhanced HVAC functionality and controls
With more than 115 dealerships in the North American MV-1 network, Mobility Ventures LLC is expanding choice in transportation for families and taxi, livery and paratransit fleets. In fact, more than 2,000 MV-1s are currently in fleet service around the country.
Financing options through Bank of America are available for the MV-1 DX and luxuriously appointed LX models. The MV-1 DX features a two-stage power ramp that is easily deployed with the touch of a button. The LX model pairs the uncompromised comfort and luxury of high-end sedans with the best-in-class accessibility of the MV-1. Beautifully accented with rosewood, chrome, and leather, the LX provides a level of sophistication previously unseen in the mobility market. The SE model provides a cost effective solution for transit fleets along with unrivaled durability.
MSRP for the MV-1 family of accessible vehicles are as follows:
- SE gas version $39,800
- DX gas version $49,975
- LX gas version $56,995
Additional information about the MV-1 family of accessible vehicles can easily be found on our new website at www.mv-1.us The site includes useful information on building/customizing your own MV-1, vehicle specifications, a downloadable brochure, vehicle photos and the nationwide dealer network locations. Also, please click the hyperlinks below for informative MV-1 customer testimonials.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU-YPOQD910
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifZXRnWVSVs
About Mobility Ventures LLC
Mobility Ventures is an industry innovator in purpose-built paratransit vehicles for public and private transportation providing design, engineering, marketing, sales, and customer service support. Mobility Ventures is a wholly owned subsidiary, of AM General LLC. Please see more information about Mobility Ventures at www.mv-1.us
About AM General
AM General designs, engineers, manufactures, supplies and supports specialized vehicles for military and commercial customers worldwide. AM General has more than five decades of experience meeting the changing needs of the defense and automotive industries, supported by its employees at major facilities in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, and a strong supplier base that stretches across 43 states. Please see more information about AM General at www.amgeneral.com
Mobility Ventures, spokesperson Kristina Rhodes, and Former Senator Tom Harkin, architect of the American’s with Disability Act (ADA), pose in the spacious entrance of a new MV-1 vehicle – the only American made vehicle specifically engineered from the ground up in support of wheelchair users and people with other disabilities. The new 2016 MV-1 was unveiled at the New York City Disability Pride Parade where Mobility Ventures was the lead sponsor.
Highlighting the roster of new features on the 2016 MV-1 is a power passenger door, operated by a remote keyless fob to provide people using wheelchairs with a new level of independence. The power passenger door can be paired with MV-1’s innovative side-entry power ramp and a new optional power liftgate to create a complete suite of automated functions for the wheelchair passenger or driver.
The MV-1 is redefining accessible transportation with a built-in side-entry power ramp, ample head room, and seating for up to five which includes the ability to safely accommodate two wheelchair users at a time—one of whom rides in the front and the other in the spacious passenger area —making it the perfect solution for consumers, commercial use, and government fleets. And at Mobility Ventures, safety comes first. The MV-1 safety record is unmatched by any wheelchair accessible vehicle, based on federal NHTSA safety recall data for aftermarket conversion vans. Additionally, the MV-1 meets all Buy America requirements.