16 June 2001: Toyota in the UK has prepared adapted Corolla and Previa models for visitors to the UK Mobility Show to be held between 15-17 June at Transport Research Laboratory, Crowthorne, Berkshire. Toyota (GB) PLC was one of the first manufacturers in the UK to offer disabled drivers the opportunity to test drive one of their models with adaptations already fitted through the Toyota Regional Demonstrator Programme.

The initiative was introduced in 1999, and the process providesToyota Motability specialists to offer advice regarding vehicle suitability as well as the opportunity for disabled customers across the UK to test drive an adapted Corolla before confirming an order.

The vehicles are located at two dealerships, in Loughborough in the Midlands, and Bracknell in the South.

When customers visit their local Toyota dealerships the Motability specialist will qualify their needs and arrange the use of an adapted model, which, subject to availability, can be made available to any UK dealership within a few days.

The two vehicles both have different adaptations to facilitate the widest possible range of disabilities, one with hand controls and a steering wheel ball, the second with hand controls, steering wheel ball and left foot accelerator. The twin flip accelerator is a system that enables a disabled driver with a right leg disability to continue to operate the accelerator without the use of hand controls. The system consists of two pedals that are hinged and linked by a cable, therefore if the right pedal is in use the left is folded up out of the way and vice versa.

A steering wheel mounted infra red control system allows the easy and safe operation of up to 15 of the car’s controls at the touch of a button and can be transferred to a new Toyota when necessary.

The adaptations for the Corollas have been supplied by Specialised Vehicle Options, specialists in the supply of vehicle conversions for the disabled. BB