Vantage Mobility Launches Honda Accessible Minivan with Summit Conversion

Phoenix, AZ – August 29, 2008 – VMI announced it has begun sales of the wheelchair accessible Honda Odyssey with the Summit fold-out ramp. The company has completed all design, engineering and validation processes with the Honda Odyssey, which is their latest lowered floor side-entry minivan conversion. VMI has more than 150 authorized dealers who have been certified to sell and service the Honda Odyssey with the finest conversion.

In October of 2006, VMI announced they had begun sales of the Honda Odyssey with the Northstar in-floor ramp. Over the past 22 months, they have sold over 2000 of these units to customers all around the world. The feedback from this fine conversion has been overwhelmingly encouraging. Along with the enthusiastic response on the Northstar conversion, came numerous requests for them to build a fold-out ramp to the Honda Odyssey.

“The agreement that we entered with Honda back in 2006 was a great achievement not only for VMI but for the entire mobility industry,” stated Doug Eaton, President and CEO of VMI. “Before this time, the only premium wheelchair accessible minivan on the market was the Toyota. By entering the Honda Odyssey with the VMI Northstar conversion into the marketplace, we opened up more options for people who need a wheelchair accessible van.”

The Honda Odyssey with the VMI Summit conversion offers the same spaciousness and wheelchair maneuverability as the Northstar in-floor conversion. The floor is lowered 11 inches to enhance driver line of sight and provide generous headroom.

Other standard features on the Honda Odyssey with the VMI Summit conversion include a powered fold-out ramp that has a smooth and precise ramp operation. There are perforations in the ramp for increased traction and to help keep the ramp surface clean. The PowerKneel™ system automatically and gently lowers the vehicle to decrease ramp incline and increase accessibility. There is also a self-actuating anti-rattle mechanism that prevents ramp movement and rattle for a quiet ride.

VMI purchases the vehicles from Honda, and then modifies them on the assembly line at its Phoenix based facility. The first Honda Odyssey with the VMI Summit conversion began shipping to Mobility Dealers nationwide on August 1st, 2008.

About VMI
Founded in 1987, VMI is a manufacturer and distributor of the most reliable, highest quality and most easily accessible transportation in the world. Their full line of products include wheelchair accessible minivans, wheelchair accessible full-size vans, platform lifts, scooter and wheelchair lifts and transfer seats. VMI’s mobility products enable consumers to travel with comfort, convenience and peace of mind.

Tagged as:  Honda Handicap Vans · Honda Wheelchair Vans · VMI Vans