The MV-1 is a new vehicle that was designed from the wheels up to accomodate wheelchairs

(WXYZ) - Monday is the 20th anniversary of the Americans with disabilities act. An on-line survey shows most people with disabilities feel significant progress has been made.

But 34-percent say inadequate transportation is still a problem.

Today we got a look at a new vehicle that could help solve that problem for many.

It’s not unusual for vehicles to pickup people in wheelchairs at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan.

But the MV-1 is unlike any other. It was designed from the wheels up to accommodate wheelchairs.

Myreo Dixon’s reaction was, “I didn’t expect nothing like this, this is actually very, very stylish, it looks like a Mercedes or something. Beautiful.”

Myreo has been in a wheelchair for 22 years. He appreciates all the thought that went into the MV-1. “The floor to roof height is very roomy. I’m not tall, but even a tall person can get in with ease, and the person helping the person doesn’t have to exert a lot of energy helping the person get in there.”

Dave Schembri is C.E.O. of the Vehicle Production Group, which manufactures the vehicle. He says since the MV-1 was designed to transport wheelchair passengers, its more structurally sound than a conversion.

According to Dave, “There are a million and a half of those vehicles on the road today that have been converted. Because the structure has been compromised, it doesn’t come with a factory warranty anymore.”

And it’s rare for a passenger in a wheelchair to be able to ride shotgun.

“That’s a big deal when shotgun isn’t available to you. But with this vehicle you can sit in the front, use the drink holder, look out the window, and hit the driver if he’s driving to slow or going in the wrong way.”

Leighton Lillie was a motorcycle racer who was injured in an accident about a year and a half ago. He’s still really interested in performance.

He was interested to hear the MV-1 has a 4.6 liter engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

And he thinks the MV-1 can make life just a little easier for people like him.

“When something happens and you get in a wheelchair, everything’s harder and normal things you enjoy doing like driving, riding in the vehicle is harder. “Its nice that they took it upon themselves to make it easier for us to do average everyday things.”

About 1000 people will be employed to work on the MV-1. It was designed and engineered here in Michigan and will be built at the old Hummer plant in Indiana.
The vehicle will cost under $40-thousand dollars. The first people to order them should take delivery by the end of the year.

If you want to see the vehicle, it will be at the Rehabilitation Institute on Monday, and at Lakeside Mall on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Click here for even more information.