Ontario Family Awarded Keys to New Wheelchair Accessible MV-1 Vehicle

TORONTO, July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A deserving family from Sudbury, Ontario, yesterday was awarded a new, universally accessible MV-1 vehicle, made by Mobility Ventures, LLC, an AM General Company, after entering the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Associations' (NMEDA) National Mobility Awareness Month's (NMAM) "Local Heroes Contest" earlier this year.

Kyle and Paula Watson, whose twin 14-year old boys - Scott and Ian, have cerebral palsy and use large motorized wheelchairs, won the vehicle through the annual NMAM online contest that includes sharing their personal story with NMAM site viewers who voted to select the finalists.

"Winning an MV-1 through the NMAM 'Local Heroes Contest' was truly a dream come true," said Kyle.  "Finding a vehicle to accommodate two very large motorized wheelchairs poses a huge challenge in itself. Now we can go where we want, as a family, together. This will be life-changing for us."

The shiny black MV-1 was delivered to the Watson family by MV-1 Canada (the Canadian distributor of the MV-1), at an event held at the Toronto Convention Centre, in front of well wishers and local media.

"This vehicle was designed to open up a world of new possibilities, and that's exactly what it will do for this wonderful family," said John Walsh, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mobility Ventures. "This vehicle has the space, durability and safety for all their needs. We are proud to support this event and are thrilled for the Watson family."

"The Local Heroes Contest is such a rewarding part of what we do at NMEDA. Each year the awareness for mobility challenges and solutions continues to grow. We thank our members, contest sponsors and the hundreds of communities and thousands of individuals who rallied this year to make National Mobility Awareness Month special once again.  I also want to personally thank the millions who took the time to read and learn about all of the Local Heroes in our contest and then cast their votes," said Dave Hubbard, NMEDA CEO.

Mobility Ventures is breaking new barriers with its MV-1 line of vehicles. Unlike many vans that are converted for accessibility, the MV-1 is the only vehicle that is "purpose-built" from the ground up for people with disabilities. The MV-1 has a side-entry powered ramp and space for a wheelchair passenger to sit in the front of the vehicle next to the driver, with additional room in back for another wheelchair and extra passengers. The MV-1 provides "Best in Class" safety direct from the factory and meets all applicable safety standards in the U.S. and Canada for crash-worthiness test as required by both the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) without exceptions or exemptions.

To purchase an MV-1 vehicle, please contact an authorized MV-1 dealer in your area which can easily be found on our newly revamped website at www.mv-1.us  The new site also includes useful tabs on vehicle specifications, downloadable brochures and vehicle photos.

About MV-1 Canada
Seven years ago we saw a rising need for a more affordable and reliable accessible vehicle solution and began a journey to bring the MV-1 to Canada. To us, the MV-1 is not a vehicle. It's a significant improvement in the quality of life and financial freedom of its owners. Our mission is to improve access to quality personal and public accessible transportation for all Canadians. MV-1 Canada is the Canadian distributor of the MV-1, operating a national network of independent dealers and service centers. Please see more information about MV-1 Canada at www.mv1canada.com

About the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) was founded in 1989 as a non-profit trade association. NMEDA supports more than 600 mobility equipment dealers, manufacturers and driver rehabilitation specialists in the U.S. and Canada who are dedicated to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities. NMEDA also sponsors National Mobility Awareness Month in May. For more information, please visit www.nmeda.com, as well as Facebook, Twitter (@NMEDAcom) and Pinterest. Visit MobilityAwarenessMonth.com for the national awareness month.

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 an AM General Company. 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

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jeff Adams – Mobility Ventures
[email protected] /(703) 347-2276

Peter Grande – MV-1 Canada
[email protected] /(905) 738-3800

Donna P. Tinoco – NMEDA
[email protected] /(407) 341-1104

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140731/132215

SOURCE Mobility Ventures LLC