08/29/2008

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.
For media information regarding VMI vehicle availability on the Summit Conversion,
contact: Monique McGivney, VMI Marketing Manager (602) 304-3273 or
MoniqueM@VantageMobility.com
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