In The Zone

This year’s new Car Zone at Naidex will show just how suitably adapted vehicles are the key to mobility and independent living!

“The introduction of the Naidex Car Zone follows a huge amount of interest from both visitors and exhibitors. While visitors to other UK shows have the opportunity to see the latest adapted vehicles, no other event can offer this level of vehicle solutions combined with thousands of independent products from  leading UK & overseas manufacturers.”

So says Liz Virgo, Event Director at Naidex, the UK’s largest disability, homecare and rehabilitation event which takes place, this April, at the NEC in Birmingham. In addition to more than 300 exhibitors, the 2010 Naidex will include, for the first time, a dedicated Car Zone where visitors can meet face to face with the UK’s top motor dealers and adaptation businesses.

Nor is it just an opportunity to check out new models and conversion concepts; you’ll also be able to speak with experts about the Motability scheme, disabled motorists campaigning charity Mobilise and the often-discussed Blue Badge – which, judging by Able’s recent postbag, is a hot subject among a lot of our readers!

EXHIBITORS IN THE CAR ZONE

Visitors can register online for free entry to the exhibition by quoting priority code E242 at www.naidex.co.uk.

All in all, the new Naidex Car Zone will enable you to size up different vehicles in person, and to discuss features that are important to you with people of genuine expertise. Given that it features many of the most respected names in the sector, why should you head for their stands?

ASPECT CONVERSIONS

STAND F198

After several years of offering high quality rear access conversions, Aspect Conversions launched the critically acclaimed Wav-Evolution front access car in 2008, offering unrivalled comfort, ease of use and technological advances. Just as important is the way they approach their customers: your initial contact will be greeted with as much or little advice as you want, with a comprehensive information pack available containing full brochures and technical info as well as a full price list.

MORE: 01704 546 600, www.aspectconversions.co.uk

AUTOCHAIR

STAND E196

Vehicle adaptation specialist Autochair have chosen Naidex to unveil their latest mystery product; even its name is still under wraps! Once it’s been launched, though, everyone that wants to try it out will be able to, with a continuous demonstration taking place from the stand. Felicity Atkin, Marketing Manager at Autochair explained: “We are remaining tight lipped so that people will be excited to see what we have to offer; we thought it was an ideal opportunity to reach a huge audience in one go!”

In addition to the new product, the stand includes customer favourites including the Milford Person Lift; simple to use, and fitting most vehicles, the lightweight Milford (coming in at just 8kg, but able to lift up to 112kg/17.5 stone) can also be used at home with either a fixed wall bracket or mobile base.

MORE: 0800 214 045, www.autochair.co.uk

BROOK MILLER

STAND B25

Established in 1998, Brook Miller Mobility are much more than just ‘Mobility Specialists’; they’re a company with a history of excellence and dedication in providing solutions to a multitude of mobility problems. Brook Miller Mobility has plans to become the leading supplier to the mobility market in the Yorkshire area. They already show a depth of understanding that can only be achieved through years of dedication.

MORE:  01422 376 645, www.brookmiller.co.uk

BROTHERWOOD AUTOBILITY LTD

STAND B220

Wheelchair passengers can now travel beside the driver in Brotherwood’s latest development of the Kia Sedona. The unique design allows a wheelchair passenger to load on any parking space via a short integral ramp. Quality is a byword of Brotherwood conversions as well as quality engineering and attention to details.  Ride, comfort and visibility are other features that make the Gold Label Kia a world class leader in transport for the wheelchair passenger.

MORE: 01935 872 603, www.brotherwood.com

JUBILEE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

STAND E190

Jubilee can trace its back to 1935 when it was one of the UK’s premier touring caravan builders. During the 80s and 90s they pioneered the introduction of luxury wheelchair accessible mini and midi-coaches that later evolved into the present day, highly successful range of innovative Mobility solutions.

MORE: 0121 502 2252, www.jubileeauto.net

LEWIS REED GROUP

STAND E198

Lewis Reed will be bringing four great wheelchair accessible vehicles for the public to see at Naidex, including the latest model of the VW Caravelle Nelhi Executive and the VW Caravelle Executive, featuring a side lift and rear tail lift. “We are very excited about attending Naidex 2010 and meeting existing and potential customers, said Lizzie Green, Lewis Reed’s Marketing Manager. “Being situated in the new Car Zone should allow the public to compare all WAV vehicles easily and we are confident our vehicles can fulfil the needs of most wheelchair users.”

MORE: 0151 343 5360, www.lewisreedgroup.co.uk

MOBILISE

STAND E204

Mobilise is a national UK charity that campaigns to improve mobility and access for disabled people. Run by and for disabled people, the charity is approaching its 100th birthday; an ideal ear to bend with regard to solving the challenges that disabled people meet as drivers and passengers alike. Visitors to the Mobilise stand can collect a free copy of their magazine and find out more information on buying a car VAT free, parking in London, the Baywatch campaign and discounts on ferry crossings.

MORE: 01508 489 449, www.mobilise.info

MOTABILITY

STAND B215

With 530,000 disabled customers and their families already onboard, Motability is by far the UK’s leading car scheme for disabled people, enabling people to exchange either their Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance or their War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement to obtain a new car, powered wheelchair or scooter. The stand will be staffed by people who can take you through all you need to know to get on the road.

MORE: 0800 093 1000, www.motability.co.uk

SIRUS AUTOMOTIVE

STAND D185

Sirus Automotive will be launching their Generation 2 ‘Drive From Wheelchair’ and ‘Passenger Up Front’ vehicle solution – an economical, affordable, compact vehicle which now offers up to five seats (four plus wheelchair). The stand will also feature the UK’s most affordable ‘Drive froWheelchair’ and ‘Passenger up Front’ solution, the Fiat Qubo. Sirus will also be showing their adaptations service, offering driving modifications, seating solutions, and wheelchair storage solutions which can all be fitted to a standard car. Bethann Siviter, a Sirus customer commented “Sirus is exceptional. I would be no closer to solving my mobility needs if I hadn’t spoken to them: instead I am awaiting my new car, complete with the solution which both best meet my needs and which I can afford”.

MORE: 0121 505 7777, www.sirusautomotive.co.uk

STEERING DEVELOPMENTS LTD

STAND G198

Steering Developments Ltd will be showcasing two options of independent driving solutions along with their range of Lifestyle electric wheelchairs. The CenterVanis the latest generation of the popular WAV based on the Chrysler Voyager; activated by remote control, the side door slides open, wheelchair ramp deploys and rear suspension lowers. The other solution on show is the Loader, an automatic wheelchair loading system that has been designed for simple operation at the flick of a switch and delivers the wheelchair from the boot to your door in less than half a minute. To compliment both solutions SDL’s range of wheelchairs will be available to try, including the fully crash tested Electric wheelchair and JW power assist systems.

MORE: 01442 212 918, www.steeringdevelopments.co.uk