Motability response on wheelchair accessible vehicles

I wrote recently about the costs of buying a wheelchair accessible vehicle, and the fact that for many drivers, the Motability leasing scheme was not the best or most cost-effective option. Delia Ray, head of marketing at Motability Operations, has responded with the following comments:

"Motability maintains a range of highly affordable motoring options for all drivers. The Scheme has seen exceptional growth in recent years, in tandem with record levels of customer satisfaction, and this is across the range, on all types of cars.

For more than four years we have consistently provided more than 200 cars at no advance payment, including family cars such as the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, plus a range of automatics.

In relation specifically to the VW Touran, both the 1.9 diesel and 1.6 petrol models are currently available at £799 advance payment.

As well as standard cars, we aim to meet the needs of disabled drivers who require adaptations, with a range of driving controls, including hand controls, at no extra charge. Last year more than 12,000 customers ordered cars with adaptations through the Scheme.

We also supply a range of wheelchair accessible vehicles at less than £500 advance payment, and now have more than 10,000 customers who have therefore been able to access the mobility that a WAV provides at the most affordable levels.

The cost of a Motability lease package includes all insurance, servicing and maintenance, breakdown cover, windscreen and tyre replacement.

Clearly, Motability is not immune from the economic climate, and car prices have increased from many suppliers in line with reduced levels of production, and the fall in value of the pound against the Euro. However, we are committed to providing a full choice of affordable cars for all our customers for the long term." Delia Ray, head of marketing at Motability Operations

You can read my original article, including an individual motorist's experience, and based on feedback from people in the conversion industry, by following this link:

Independent Living Journal: Motability and buying an adapted vehicle

And don't forget you can share your experiences with other visitors to Independent Living, by adding a comment here!