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Volkswagen debuts wheelchair-friendly Crafter minibus

Fitted with 16 seats and a wheelchair lift, the Crafter is the latest product in Volkswagen’s ‘Engineered To Go’ range

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Volkswagen has debuted a new addition to its ‘Engineered To Go’ range – a 16-seater wheelchair-accessible minibus.

It’s based on the very latest Crafter, and will make its debut at the 2019 Commercial Vehicle Show.

The Engineered To Go range is intended as a more official channel for those who’d usually purchase a vehicle from Volkswagen and have it altered by a third-party composer. Through the scheme, Volkswagen cuts out the middleman, working directly with third parties to ensure customers can simply make their bespoke purchase directly from a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ centre.

(VW/PA)

This minibus has been adapted by Taxi Bus Conversions (TBC) in Northern Ireland, which has status as a VW Recognised Partner – meaning the additions to the vehicle are covered under an identical warranty to the vehicle.

Based on the Crafter in rear-wheel drive, long-wheelbase and high-roof configuration, the minibus offers 16 belted travel seats and restraints for up to six wheelchairs thanks to a configurable internal layout. Access is via the front door with a modified step or the rear-mounted passenger lift.

Nick Axtell, specialist sales manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “This conversion meets a customer demand for a spacious minibus with the flexibility to adapt the seat configuration to transport wheelchair users.

“We expect huge interest in this vehicle at the CV Show 2019 and plan to place the finished product into our Engineered To Go programme so customers can get their hands on the conversion in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible.”

The Commercial Vehicle Show takes place at the Birmingham NEC, and runs from April 30 to May 2.

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