Posts Tagged ‘vantage mobility international’

Handicap Vehicle Manufacturer VMI Donates Dodge Grand Caravan

Vantage Mobility International of Phoenix, AZ is a handicap vehicle manufacturer with a heart. It shows in their design, engineering, and manufacturing process, which brings thousands of disabled people the accessible vehicles they need for independent lifestyles.

It also shows in the actions of VMI outside their “business” operations. VMI recently donated a handicap access vehicle to Heather Grossman. Grossman runs Heather’s Haven of Hope. The Dodge Grand Caravan with the VMI Summit access handicap vehicle conversion features a folding ramp for access. This handicap access minivan will allow Grossman to lead a more independent lifestyle.

Heather’s story is truly amazing. Her ex-husband hired gunmen to shoot and kill her, leaving her dead on the scene of the crime. She was resuscitated, only to learn of paralys from the neck down—a condition which would require the assistance of an expensive handicap access vehicle for day-to-day activities. Grossman’s then husband mentally and physically abused her for four years.

Rising above all this adversity, she started Heather’s Haven of Hope, a charitable foundation which raises awareness of domestic violence. Heather also mentors other spinal cord patients in her role, consults with the Office for Victims at the Justice Department in Washington, DC, and is a guest speaker at seminars and conferences.

In 2009, Grossman had to deal with another setback; her handicap vehicle was wrecked in an accident. Jon Kyl, Arizona Senator, heard about her plight and contacted Vantage Mobility International and Phoenix International Raceway to see if they could help.

The new access handicap vehicle was given to Heather on April 10 at the Phoenix International Raceway. Disabled access is offered through an 11 inch lowered floor and power ramp.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Heather three years ago at the Ms. Wheelchair Arizona pageant and was instantly touched by her tenacity and positive outlook on life,” said Doug Eaton, VMI’s CEO. “When I heard that Heather had been without transportation for 11 months, I knew we had to do something for her, because she does so much for the community as a mentor for other abuse victims. Donating the Summit fold-out ramp conversion on the Dodge Grand Caravan will thankfully get Heather back on the road doing what she loves and what our community needs.”

Grossman said: “I feel like I’ve been let out of jail. I can now go and visit my son at Pepperdine University in California. I can go back to church and back to the hospitals to mentor other abuse victims.”

For more information on Vantage Mobility International and their handicap vehicles, go to www.mobilitysales.com.

Handicap Accessible Van Manufacturers Thrive During Downturn

The automotive industry as a whole has suffered during the recent economic downturn as evidenced by lower sales and government bailouts. One Phoenix, AZ disabled vehicle maker fills a nice niche in the automobile market, and helps people in the process.

Vantage Mobility International modifies Honda Odyssey minivans into handicap accessible vans. VMI has about 200 employees and is in the process of adding engineers and assembly workers to fill new accessible handicap van orders.

In September, the 2011 Odyssey from Honda is going to be available for purchase as a handicap van, and VMI is gearing up for the high demand in the handicapped vehicle market. Over the past 18 months, VMI has been engaged in a “lean manufacturing” process which lowered costs, but resulted in the layoff of around 30 employees.

BraunAbility of Winimac, IN is also gearing up to release new product lines. Their own version of the handicap accessible van, the Toyota Rampvan, is due for release. These Toyota Sienna minivans have also been modified for disabled access. Braun has about 100 additional employees compared to just 9 months ago. Rumors in the industry say Braun will also release a Honda Odyssey accessible handicap van soon.