Japanese Automakers Market Cars for Elderly, Disabled

12/16/96

Several major Japanese automakers, including Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Toyota, have announced plans to increase marketing of cars specially adapted for elderly and disabled passengers. These cars are designed to be easy to get into and out of; some include access for wheelchairs or stretchers.

According to a Toyota spokesperson, "The market for such cars has strong growth potential considering that the elderly population is going to get larger in the future."

Toyota predicts that by the year 2000, the market for elderly- and disabled- equipped cars will have increased to 10,000 cars a year, a substantial rise from the 3,000 cars sold in 1995.

Ryan Houlette -- The Auto Channel