Allied Specialty Vehicles (ASV), the parent company of several bus brands, including ElDorado National-Kansas, announced that Matt Ford has been named president of ElDorado Mobility.

Ford will lead the company from ASV’s ElDorado National-Kansas manufacturing facility in Salina where Toyota, Chrysler and Dodge minivans are converted for wheelchair accessibility.

“We are delighted to have a person of Matt’s caliber onboard to lead ASV’s expanding mobility business,” said Kent Tyler, president/CEO of ASV’s Bus Division. “His management experience and proven sales success with mobility products for persons with disabilities is well aligned with our strategies to expand our dealer network and grow our customer base in personal use, paratransit and taxi markets.”

Ford added, “ElDorado Mobility is a tremendous opportunity for me. The company has a well-earned reputation for delivering the most durable and reliable van conversions in the industry. I’m looking forward to leveraging our quality products with our strong dealer relationships to increase efficiency and improve the customer experience to grow our business.”

Ford said his first priority in the new role is to assess everything from the product line to the marketing strategy as well as all aspects of the existing dealer relationships.

"We need to make sure they are given the tools and resources they need to represent the brand effectively," Ford said. "The relationships the company has with its dealers is paramount."

Ford arrives from The Braun Corp., a manufacturer of conversion van and wheelchair lift mobility products, where he spent more than 10 years in sales management positions, most recently as national director of sales.

In this role, he expanded the company’s dealer network into 19 new markets over a two-year period, a move that resulted in market share increases. Prior to this, he held business ownership positions at Ford Wireless Group and Clearcall Inc. Ford earned his Bachelor of Arts in business administration/economics and is currently completing his Master of Business Administration from Bethel College.

ElDorado Mobility’s Amerivan, side entry, and Mission, rear entry, minivan conversions feature the industry’s only stainless steel floor, an optional power ramp and flexible seating for family members. All minivan conversions are Altoona tested and meet or exceed applicable FMVSS/CMVSS testing requirements.

Ford says his ongoing assessment will include evaluating the company's current product line and determining the need for expansion.

For more information about ElDorado Mobility conversion products, visit www.amerivans.com.