Via Automotive Fleet

Chrysler is showing how its Ram ProMaster and ProMaster City vans can be set up with special equipment to serve paratransit fleets or other commercial customers with limited mobility.

Representatives from several upfitters specializing in mobility applications showed off their work this week at Chrysler headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich.

"Both vans have been outfitted with adaptive equipment designed specifically to provide the limited-mobility commercial customer with the freedom to continue doing the work that they enjoy," said Mike Pultorak, commercial van product planning manager.

The full-size ProMaster features a locking mechanism for a wheelchair behind the driver's seat. The power driver's seat has been modified so it swivels sideways and elevates to the same level as the wheelchair to ease the transfer from the wheelchair to the seat.

The ProMaster has also been equipped with hand controls for acceleration and braking, as well as rear shelving units for storage.

The compact ProMaster City has been equipped with a rear lift for a motorized scooter, power front seats that swivel and extend out of the van to aid entry. adaptive hand controls, and right-side adaptive foot controls. The rear power lift elevates the scooter and slides into the van for enclosed transportation. The upfit retains the van's second row of seating.

Upfitters who contributed products to the vans included MobilityWorks, Braun, EZ Lock, B&D, Veigel, and Leggett & Platt.