New York City's Taxi And Limousine Commission Approves The MV-1

The Vehicle Production Group LLC (VPG) announced on October 21 the approval of VPG's MV-1 motor vehicle by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission for use as a New York City taxicab. The MV-1 is the first and only factory-built and assembled vehicle that meets or exceeds the vehicle guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Headquartered in Miami, FL, The Vehicle Production Group LLC (VPG) designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes the MV-1, the first mobility vehicle engineered from the ground up for accessibility.

Community advocates, taxi owners, and VPG representatives made a joint presentation on October 20 to the TLC prior to its unanimous approval of the MV-1 to operate in the city as a taxicab. This is the first time since the fabled "Checker Cab" that a purpose-built vehicle has been approved for operation.

The approval allows the owners of the more than 13,000 taxis currently operating in the city to begin replacing their vehicles with the fully accessible MV-1, allowing them to make it possible for New York residents and visitors with disabilities to more easily get around the city.

The MV-1 is built from the ground up to address the needs of over fourteen million Americans who must use wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walkers, or other mobility devices. Routine activities such as traveling in a vehicle present a significant obstacle in their daily lives. Assembled in the USA, the MV-1 is not a converted van or aftermarket product, carries a factory warranty, and has passed all relevant Federal safety and crash test requirements.

The MV-1 is also the only ADA compliant vehicle with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) engineered and assembled Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel system option. Since the system is factory-installed, the MV-1 with the CNG option meets all government safety and crash test requirements and maintains the same durability and reliability as the gasoline-powered vehicle. Fleet operators and consumers can reduce expenses by utilizing the less expensive CNG fuel.

NAFA Fleet Management Association
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