Mobility Ventures Announces 2014 Production Launch Of Universally Accessible MV-1 Vehicle

MISHAWAKA, IN--March 11, 2014: Mobility Ventures LLC, designer and manufacturer of the first American vehicle purpose-built and designed from the ground up in support of wheelchair users to meet or exceed the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has launched production of its 2014 MV-1 universally accessible vehicle. Vehicles are now rolling off the assembly line and being processed for immediate shipment to its nationwide MV-1 dealer network.

Headquartered in South Bend, Ind., Mobility Ventures LLC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of AM General.

The 2014 production launch was commemorated with a ceremony at AM General's world-class, 675,000 square-foot Commercial Assembly Plant in Mishawaka, Ind., where the vehicle is built. On hand for the ceremony were dignitaries who ranged from local, State and Federal political leaders, transportation and disability advocacy groups…to..commercial and consumer customers, dealers, suppliers and union officials. The assembled group hailed the contributions of the thousands of people associated with launching the production of the revolutionary MV-1 fleet of vehicles. Following the ceremony, dignitaries were provided guided tours throughout the MV-1 production facility, where they could see.. first hand, the unique and efficient ways the vehicles are assembled.

"Today's event recognizes the many men and women who have taken this vehicle from concept to production reality," said AM General President and CEO, Charlie Hall. "On behalf of AM General and Mobility Ventures' employees in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, we are proud to create new jobs and deliver this truly revolutionary vehicle into the hands of a deserving market."

Since its creation a little more than six months ago, Mobility Ventures has:

Assembled a veteran team of executives to oversee its operations Formed a strategic alliance with the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) Created a team of seasoned domestic and international sales representatives Displayed the MV-1 at a variety of tradeshows across the country Donated an MV-1 as part of NMEDA's National Mobility Awareness Month coming up in May Surpassed a milestone of signing more than 55 MV-1 dealers across the country

Hall added, "There has been a lot of heavy lifting by many groups: our suppliers, our dealers, our customers and advocacy groups to name a few ..in a very short period of time… to get us to where we are today. Regardless of the challenges, the MV-1 team has remained focused and driven on delivering this vehicle to a customer base in need."

"I am proud to be a part of the production launch of the 2014 MV-1 vehicle," said U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski. "It's great to hear the sounds of the vehicle production line running here at this commercial assembly plant today. These sounds equate to innovation, good paying jobs and hard work. With decades of experience in assembling and delivering vehicles to military and commercial customers around the world, there is no workforce better suited to produce this revolutionary vehicle than the one right here today. I commend AM General and Mobility Ventures for their leadership on this initiative."

"The launch of MV-1 represents a great advance for people with mobility challenges," says South Bend Deputy Mayor Mark Neal. "We're proud that the South Bend-based Mobility Ventures has developed this vehicle, supporting citizens here and throughout the country, and making a major contribution to the regional economy."

"AM General continues to be one of the cornerstone manufacturers of not just our City, but our region," said Mishawaka, Ind. Mayor Dave Wood. "As a City, we have seen businesses come and go, but AM General's talent and innovation continues to set them apart . There is no greater testament to this than being able to bring the community oriented MV-1 into production. We are excited that this ground-breaking vehicle has the ability to be a bridge for those with accessibility barriers. I am extremely proud to say the MV-1 is made in Mishawaka."

The MV-1 is the first factory-built mobility vehicle designed from the ground up to provide accessible transportation to individuals with mobility challenges, commercial fleets, institutions, and municipalities. Built at AM General's world-class, 675,000 square-foot Commercial Assembly Plant in Mishawaka, Ind., the MV-1 is universally designed, allowing people of all abilities equal access to a quality, safe and inclusive transportation option. It meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) direct from the factory with no modifications. Additionally, the MV-1 is more durable and cost effective to own and operate than a traditional retrofitted van or bus. It is dedicated to transporting all passengers; with or without mobility challenges, making it the perfect solution for both consumer and commercial fleet services.