Until now, anyone who uses a wheelchair or mobility device has been faced with a tough choice when it comes to driving. Getting an accessible vehicle means buying an after-market conversion car or buying a conversion kit. The Vehicle Production Group announced today that its MV-1, a vehicle built to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, will be available before 2011.

Previous options for accessible vehicles

Previously, accessible vehicles have been, at best, difficult to get and expensive. The only way to make a vehicle accessible is to undertake expensive and difficult modifications. Sometimes, these modifications void manufacturer’s warranties. Other times, battery packs and additional power sources must be packed into the vehicles.

The VPG motors MV-1

The VPG motors MV-1 vehicle is a vehicle manufactured in Indiana. The vehicle has been built from the ground up for wheelchair and mobility accessibility. The MV-1 is actually being built with four different available models — base and deluxe, in gas and compressed natural gas. The vehicle can seat six people and uses a Ford V-8 engine.

Niche vehicle market growing

Though the MV-1 from VPG motors uses a Ford engine, it is an independently designed and built vehicle. Much like Tesla Motors, the Nissan Leaf and other niche vehicles, the MV-1 is targeted to a very specific audience. These niche-market vehicles are receiving a lot of attention for their focus on low carbon emissions and specialty uses. In the past, small companies such as this would either have to be purchased or supported by large dealership and original equipment manufacturer networks. Now, though, these low-volume vehicle sales are growing, as more people look for value in their vehicles. The MV-1 is the first ADA accessible vehicle to hit the market, and if it does well, it will likely not be the last.