Under the leadership of international entrepreneur Mike Simmonds, the Mobility Networks Group has been launched in May 2014 to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of global products to the accessible vehicle industry.
The international infrastructure of Mobility Networks is now in place and will be co-ordinated from UK headquarters in Whitstable, Kent. This new business has been established so that bus and coach convertors, body builders, fleet operators and private vehicle owners worldwide, can obtain all the latest international access innovations. The network will continually expand and evolve so that the range of products and support services available from one source, will be unequalled in the market. With one specialist name supplying products on a regional level from the world’s best manufacturers such as API, multiple benefits regarding procurement efficiency and value will be delivered.
Mobility Networks’ new distribution partnership, with the renowned accessible vehicle convertor API based in the Czech Republic, is a significant factor with this new organisation. Mike will be working closely with API’s innovative founder Miroslav Bartos to supply pioneering solutions including the FlexirampTM floor conversions kits. Alongside API products, Mobility Networks has the capacity to provide world-class M1-M3 vehicle access lifts, wheelchair ramps, hatches and door opening systems. These high quality and reliable products will be engineered by carefully selected, proven OEMs such as PLS in the UK, who are now integrated into the Mobility Networks Group.
The inception of Mobility Networks has been formulated by Mike Simmonds. Now CEO of this new multi-national business, Mike is a well-respected and highly successful entrepreneur with extensive experience in the accessible vehicle industry. He established Q’Straint (Europe) and held the position of Managing Director for over 18 years, during which time he orchestrated significant business growth across a global platform. During 2013 Mike acquired majority share of the leading accessible vehicle lift specialist, PLS (Passenger Lift Services) based in Oldbury, UK. This company will now be a key manufacturer within the Mobility Networks organisation with the capacity to provide an extensive range of lifts to the international market. Mike explains: “These are indeed exciting times for the whole accessible vehicle market as Mobility Networks is launched. For the first time convertors and specifiers can obtain the best solutions available on a global scale, all from one trusted supplier.”
Mike continues: “To remain competitive in the accessible vehicle industry, we understand that specifiers require product ‘life value’, proven performance and legislative conformity that meets all the demands of modern day transportation. Therefore Mobility Networks now has the capability to provide a holistic service, from specification to installation, spanning a wide range of precision products. Extensive resources have been invested to consolidate all channels and processes so that an efficient service can be provided to customers on a regional basis. We have product specialists, skilled fitters and expert engineers now operating in several European countries with the view to expanding into additional territories soon. We are delighted to be working with API, as we believe its solutions clearly demonstrate a true understanding of disabled driver and passenger needs. Combining global knowledge with local understanding is a key strength for our multi-lingual team. Under the banner ‘Vehicle access through innovation’, 2014 and beyond promises to deliver outstanding results for all our Mobility Networks customers.”
