Celebrating Two Million Motability Car Scheme Vehicles

LONDON, October 6 -- Today at Buckingham Palace, HRH Princess Alexandra, joins Lord Sterling of Plaistow GCVO CBE, Co-Founding Chairman of Motability[1] to hand over the keys of six new cars to Motability Car Scheme customers at the Royal Mews. The presentations mark a milestone in the Scheme's history, providing two million cars to disabled people over the last 28 years.

Since it began in 1978 Motability has gone from strength to strength: in 1995 Motability delivered its 500,000th car, in 1998 it reached the one millionth car, and today, it celebrates the remarkable achievement of supplying two million cars.

Lord Sterling says, "When we set this organisation up in 1978, the late Lord Goodman and I had no idea of the extent to which this life changing scheme would improve mobility. He would be tremendously proud of all those involved in running and managing the Car Scheme, and through them in reaching this two millionth car milestone. There are many, many unsung heroes involved in bringing this valuable service to the disabled community, not least the disabled community itself. It is through their direct input and feedback that we have been able to continuously improve the Scheme, service and range of cars and adaptations now available."

The six people receiving cars today (6th October 2006) represent a hugely diverse group of people with differing mobility needs and personal circumstances whose lives are improved by the Motability Scheme. This ranges from a drive-from wheelchair accessible vehicle to a standard production car with no adaptations.

Congratulating Motability on its two-millionth car, Anne McGuire MP, Minister for Disabled People, says: "I have been lucky enough to meet customers of Motability whose lives have been dramatically improved by the Motability Scheme. Providing two million cars to disabled people and their families, and therefore offering a real possibility of independence and freedom, is a hugely significant achievement and I congratulate Motability on this. As a unique scheme and partnership between many sectors, including the Government, we are committed to the excellent work Motability does in providing disabled people with the independence and greater choice to play a full part in the community."

Notes for Editors:

A high-resolution photograph accompanying this release will be available later today through the PA Photowire. It can be viewed at www.mediapoint.press.net or www.prnewswire.co.uk

1. The six new cars are being handed over to 6-year-old Haider Iqbal from Oxford; Maureen Molloy (62) from Kent; Mike Williams (40) from London; Margaret Huscroft (63) from Surrey; Rebecca Nahapiet (21) from Liverpool and Gill Hicks (43) Ambassador for Peace Direct and survivor of the London bombings in July 2005.

2. The Motability Scheme currently has around 440,000 customers, making it the most successful car scheme for disabled people and their families. There are 1.7 million people in the UK who receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement which can be transferred to Motability as a simple monthly payment to cover the lease of the brand new car.

3. Over 230 cars and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles are available with little or no additional payment required. Overall, over 3,000 makes and models are available. Customers pay for the Scheme with their mobility allowance (the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement).

3. The Scheme is directed and overseen by Motability, a national charity, which also provides financial assistance to customers, who would otherwise be unable to afford the mobility solution they need.

4. Motability Operations is the company that operates the Motability car schemes, under contract to Motability. Powered wheelchairs and scooters can also be financed using the Motability Scheme.

5. Latest improvements from October 1st 2006:

- A larger range of automatic cars at nil Advance Payment

- Popular adaptations, such as push-pull hand controls, and left-foot accelerators, at no additional cost in the current price guide

- Further extensive adaptations at more affordable rates

- Manufacturer-fitted adaptations, starting with the Toyota swivel seat, as an option when ordering the car

- An increased range of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) at highly competitive rates.

6. Key recent changes to the Motability Scheme include an online searchable price list, a GBP200 Good Condition Bonus for cars returned in good working order with no loss or damage claims, improved aftersales service standards from Motability dealers around the UK, and the introduction of a simple, secure and speedy e-signature PIN process when collecting a new car.

7. Since the Scheme began in 1978 it has changed from offering a three-wheeled trike to the disabled motorist, to a wide choice of cars from the all the leading vehicle manufacturers.

[1] Motability is the charity set up by Lord Sterling and the late Lord Goodman in 1977. The vision was to provide affordable new cars to disabled people and their families thereby improving their mobility and independence. The Motability Scheme enjoys all party support and supplies over 440,000 cars to disabled people today.

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