Wusul rolls out wheelchair access vehicle solutions

The Dubai International Motor Show 2015 will see the launch of Wusul, which means ‘access’ or ‘transfer’ in Arabic. The new brand, which is a joint venture between BVD Middle East and Lateral UK, will for the first time allow wheelchair users across the GCC to purchase, specify and collect a modern wheelchair access vehicle (WAV) directly from a range of current automotive dealers. BVD can provide WAVs built around a range of Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs), avoiding traditional van-based solutions and retaining the comfort level and normality of an MPV. Initially, the brand will be offering a Kia Carnival-based WAV, but it also has solutions for Mercedes, Fiat and a range of other well known brands. Designed in the UK, Wusul’s technology allows most of the original vehicle to be retained, and has the added advantage that the user can load themselves into the vehicle unassisted, reinforcing the sense of freedom and self-reliance. “The driving force behind our wheelchair access solutions is to ensure the user can travel alongside their family, without feeling out of place or separated,” commented Bob Collier, COO of BVD. “All our designs allow people confined to a wheelchair to load themselves with both ease and dignity, to ensure they can still remain mobile.” All Wusul vehicles are crash tested to European standards and are fully GCC compliant. The vehicles are registered as a normal car and retain their original handling characteristics. The trim remains unaltered and the design allows family members to sit together. “We provide a total solution, avoiding the need for the customer to first purchase the vehicle and bring it to a third party for conversion,” added Collier. “With Wusul the user simply purchases the vehicle directly from the dealer. This way we take the stress away from the end-user, whilst delivering the highest standards and solid design to an important segment of the market.” Wusul vehicles are available immediately from all UAE Kia dealerships, with regional availability and further brands being rolled out through 2016. — SG