Mobility Networks, the international innovator in wheelchair lifts and ramps for buses, coaches, mini-bus and other accessible vehicles, has opened a new Canberra office and service base to support Australia and New Zealand.
Mobility Networks Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) is the latest worldwide branch to be set up by this multi-national group. The Mobility Networks Group provides a ‘one-stop-shop’ service for vehicle convertors, body builders, fleet operators and domestic drivers looking for the best access products from around the world. Led by Mike Simmonds, CEO and global entrepreneur, Mobility Networks provides access solutions from leading international manufacturers whilst offering regionalized support and servicing. Existing and potential customers in ANZ can now benefit from this combined advantage with the opening of a new office by Stuart Hall, Managing Director, Mobility Networks ANZ.
Originally employed by highly respected UK vehicle lift manufacturer Passenger Lift Services (PLS, a Mobility Networks company), Stuart has extensive knowledge of wheelchair passenger accessibility. He will be leading a team with this engineering and operational expertise so that ANZ customers can benefit from a quality service and exceptionally reliable products. PLS designs, manufactures and installs a vast variety of bus, coach and mini-bus wheelchair lifts, however its flagship Coach Front Entrance Cassette Lift, will make a significant impact on the ANZ market. This unique powered platform is stowed internally under the entrance steps of a coach and when combined with the variable height PLS ‘Magic Floor’, wheelchair passengers can seamlessly transfer from ground level to a raised passenger deck. With new ANZ legislation approaching that stipulates all coaches and buses must be wheelchair accessible, the range of lifts available from Mobility Networks will be able resolve this requirement whilst minimising risk and maximizing safety for all.
Mobility Networks now also supplies vehicle lifts manufactured by Caroil following its recent acquisition of this Italian lift specialist. Caroil has been efficiently remodeled and restructured to enhance product and service quality to the ANZ market. Existing Caroil customers can now rest assured that these cost-effective vehicle inboard and cassette lifts will deliver world-class performance – synonymous with all Mobility Networks products.
In addition to the PCV market, Mobility Networks can also provide specialist products for the domestic WAV sector (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles) in the ANZ region. This ‘Flexi’ branded range includes the FlexiWinch, FlexisRamp and the FlexiWAV lowered floor and tailgate ramp conversion kits. The FlexiWinch is a powered belt system that helps pull a wheelchair and occupant into a vehicle via a ramp. It is ideal for use with the folding 2-piece Flexisramp from Mobility Networks – one of the lightest yet strongest aluminum wheelchair ramps available today. The FlexiWAV range provides specialist vehicle convertors with a ready-made flat floor and ramp package that can be slotted into OEM cars during adaptation for wheelchair access.
Mike Simmonds, Mobility Networks CEO comments: “The Mobility Networks’ product portfolio is perfect for the accessible vehicle sector in Australia and New Zealand. Every solution is engineered precisely with quality components so durability and performance can be assured for 20 years and hence meets regional legislation. Parts of Australia especially the outback are extreme, isolated environments where vehicle reliability is absolutely paramount. Therefore by fitting Mobility Networks’ access solutions to commercial vehicles, convertors, operators and passengers will have peace of mind. With the acquisition of Caroil, I can reassure existing customers that the multi-national strength of Mobility Networks Group will boost manufacturing prowess, product innovation and service delivery. In terms of domestic private WAV owners, they will also be able to drive vast distances in the knowledge that their onboard Mobility Networks wheelchair access lifts, ramps and other products will deliver unsurpassed reliability.”
