Hyundai Mobility Program Helps Drivers with Special Physical Needs

Hyundai Motor America announced today the launch of an initiative to support vehicle owners with special physical needs. Through the new Mobility Program, customers will be reimbursed up to $1,000 for new adaptive equipment installed in any new Hyundai vehicle leased or purchased through an authorized dealership.

"Hyundai is committed to offering all consumers access to the most sophisticated vehicle safety technologies. For example, we package Electronic Stability Control on more than 70 percent of the vehicles we sell, and Hyundai models consistently receive high marks for crashworthiness," said John Krafcik, vice president of product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "This assistance program will make it easier for drivers with special needs to purchase vehicles with the right combination of convenience, comfort and safety."

According to research conducted by Louisiana Tech University, minivans and sedans make up the majority - 55.4 percent - of modified vehicles for the disabled. The most common modifications made by those with special physical needs include the use of lifts and lowered floors, as well as special steering and braking controls.

Hyundai vehicles feature unsurpassed standard safety technologies, outstanding cargo capacity and comfortable, ergonomic interior space making them well suited for drivers with special physical needs.

The all-new Entourage minivan, just launched this spring, recently earned the "Top Safety Pick" award by the IIHS - the best rating ever for a minivan. The Entourage was also the first Hyundai to receive a gold award for good crashworthiness ratings. In addition to outstanding safety features, Entourage boasts a generous 172 cubic feet of interior volume - more than Honda Odyssey.

The all-new Azera sedan is the most luxurious and well-equipped Hyundai model ever. Among its many features, Azera comes standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), eight standard airbags and active front head restraints. Azera also received the top crash test rating for frontal offset impacts by the IIHS.

Additionally, the 2006 Sonata was the industry's first midsize sedan with standard ESC and six airbags, and received the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts. Combined with its "class-above" interior space (categorized a "large car" by the United States EPA), Sonata is another outstanding option for drivers with special physical needs.

To qualify for the Hyundai Mobility Program, customers must have the adaptive equipment installed within six months of the Hyundai vehicle purchase or lease, and submit the claim form within 60 days of the completed installation. Qualifying adaptive equipment or conversion is defined as any aftermarket alteration or equipment installation that provides the user convenient access and/or the ability to drive the vehicle.