AM General to build VPG MV-1 people-mover at Hummer H2 factory
Vehicle Production Group MV-1 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Remember the Standard Taxi from the Vehicle Production Group? It's now called the MV-1, and production is slated to begin next year at the AM General plant in Mishawaka, Indiana. That's the same assembly location where the Hummer H2 is built, which makes sense since the MV-1 is based on the same GM underpinnings as the behemoth SUV.
According to its makers, the MV-1 is the first purpose-built wheelchair-accessible vehicle in America, and it's able to accommodate up to six adults or two full-size wheelchairs. An ADA-approved ramp that stows under the vehicle's floor and a 36-inch wide side opening are designed to make entry and exit a simple affair.
With its body-on-frame construction made with fully boxed rails, the MV-1 should prove to be a durable people mover and its well-known GM drivetrain components should also be easily serviceable. Further, VPG has teamed up with Clean Energy to develop a dedicated compressed natural gas powertrain option that will provide a 250-mile range with significantly reduced emissions.
Styling wise, the MV-1 may not be the prettiest machine on the road, but for those needing to transport wheelchair-bound passengers, this design may just be a thing of beauty. See for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.
Gallery: Vehicle Production Group MV-1
[Source: VPG Autos, Detroit Free Press]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
AZRacer 1:47PM (10/21/2009)
It looks like a Honda element with down syndrome
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jonnybimmer 1:54PM (10/21/2009)
I never really noticed how pretty and graceful the Element really was. Actually surprised this is American, it looks like something that'd come out of Russia to me.
allaman 2:01PM (10/21/2009)
Down Syndrome? Wow, that's pretty offensive.
I actually work with individuals with special needs, many of which use wheelchairs. A purpose built vehicle has a built in market base as aftermarket conversions tend to be extraordinarily expensive. Also, when aftermarket conversions have "issues," such as a door or ramp jamming, it is costly and slow to repair and can leave individuals and families stranded.
As a car nut who works with individuals with special needs I look forward to learning more about this vehicle so I can share the info with the families I work with who have been looking for conversion alternatives for years.
LaserRed38 2:04PM (10/21/2009)
Yes...looks like a Russian Element.
DJ 2:25PM (10/21/2009)
allaman, X2.
Why is it that someone, anyone, would be so inclined to have to be the first to respond too anything posted here that starts with "Looks like ...", and then to liken it to a disability? Ironically it seems the OP may be the one with the disability.
Kitko 2:49PM (10/21/2009)
No, no, No, no. it looks like the London Taxi International "designed" it :-)
Shiftright 3:01PM (10/21/2009)
Perfect analysis, or the offspring with Down syndrome of a Honda Element and a London cab.
C.W. 4:24PM (10/21/2009)
anyone taking offense to AZ's comment needs to LIGHTEN UP!
how annoying to hear people lecture him for making a silly comparison...
it's retarded.
Scott 1:49PM (10/21/2009)
So... it's a short bus?
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TonyInMI 1:53PM (10/21/2009)
Arse.
LaserRed38 2:02PM (10/21/2009)
Lol...heart clicky for y....
Oops my bad. Wrong site.
TonyInMI 1:53PM (10/21/2009)
Love it - should be 100% CNG. Also should be available in a very low content model available at reasonable cost for institutional use.
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Yaroukh 2:06PM (10/21/2009)
like for president?
John P. 2:10PM (10/21/2009)
This is a joke right? Come on, out with it.
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dukeisduke 2:17PM (10/21/2009)
The H2 is based on the Chevy Tahoe (the GMT800 version), so it's actually Tahoe-based.
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4x4North 2:29PM (10/21/2009)
Incorrect.
It still amazes me at how people in this day and age, with information at their finger tips, can continue to spread false information.
The H2 is a 3 piece frame, the center is UNIQUE to the H2, and forms a marriage between a modified GM-2500 series segment that forms the front, and the rear which is a modified GM 1500 series frame.
You know, just because Jeremy Clarkson tells you something while he's doing his bit review doesn't mean it's true.
mrenfro 11:11AM (10/22/2009)
The first of the Obama mobiles. We all will be taxed to continue to support this kind of non-sense. What a horrible car.
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zeeshan809 3:07PM (10/21/2009)
If GM still can't understand that most people want compact fuel efficient cars, then probably it never would.
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imoore 4:43PM (10/21/2009)
@zeeshan809:
GM has nothing to do with this. This is being made by AM General. The only connection between GM and AM General is that AM General built the H2 for GM, and the chassis for this wagon is derived from the H2.
That said, I'm betting that this will be offered as a panel van as well.
inline6 2:51PM (10/21/2009)
Yes it's ugly. But in a kind of purposeful, utilitarian way that's likeable in a way.
Kinda like a modern-day Checker Marathon.
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