Wheelchair-accessible car unveiled at Independent Living Conference

[IMAGE]MV1.jpg[/IMAGE]In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), The Vehicle Production Group (VPG) presented its MV-1 to attendees at The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Annual Conference on Tuesday.

The MV-1 is the first vehicle designed, engineered and factory-built wheelchair accessible car.

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.

MV-1 is also available with a manufacturer engineered and assembled compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling system option.

"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 CEO Dave Schembri.

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."

Starting later this year, the MV-1 will be built in the U.S. at the AM General assembly plant in Mishawaka, Ind.

VPG is currently touring the MV-1 across the nation.

 EXTRA: Click here to read the Washington Post story on theMV-1 debut at the NCIL conference.