A Personal Account of the 2014 MV-1 Production Launch

by Kristina Rhoades

Charlie Hall, CEO of AM General, giving the introductory address

Tuesday, March 11, marked a historic day for Mobility Ventures LLC and the disability community alike. Our team came together with AM General leadership, disability advocates, industry leaders and the media to celebrate the start of production on the 2014 MV-1. This much anticipated news was well-received by all (read the press release) In fact, one of our special guests, Ronnie Ellen Raymond, a national accessibility advocate and one of the first riders in a MV-1, commented that the energy and thoughtful intentions that surround the MV-1 is palpable - and she couldn't be more right. 

Left to right: Barton & Megan Cutter, John Walsh (Mobility Ventures), Madonna Long, Steve Barker (Mobility Ventures), Ronnie Ellen Raymond, Jim Weisman (United Spinal), Kristina Rhoades (Mobility Ventures)

 At the event, we also had the pleasure of hosting a couple that really touched our hearts. Megan and Barton Cutter have been married for nearly a decade and recently purchased an MV-1, which has changed their lives. As an inter-ability couple, they enjoy sharing their story of triumphant love through public speaking, their blog and a book they co-authored, called Ink in the Wheels: Stories to Make Love Roll. They had experienced a long, challenging journey to acquire an accessible vehicle so Barton could get around and are now cherishing the new found freedom and independence with their MV-1.

Personally, the production launch was a day I'll never forget. As a wheelchair user, I fully grasp the importance and necessity of a purpose-built mobility vehicle, not only for independent drivers like myself, but also for taxis and public transportation. It's not just that the MV-1 offers safe and reliable wheelchair accessibility, but the fact that it was built from the ground up allows it to deliver an entirely different experience than what many people with mobility challenges are used to.

Left to right: John Walsh & Kristina Rhoades of Mobility Ventures, Kirk Bauer of Disabled Sports USA

The very idea that the MV-1 exists specifically for people like me invokes feelings that I have difficulty putting into words. I can only express it as something close to a sense of worth, because people like me are no longer an afterthought. I couldn’t have been more proud to be there in person as witness to something that will change the way the world views accessible transportation.

I have been a part of the MV-1 program for several years now, but I have to say – I have never felt more confident and excited about its future. It’s a vehicle that is needed by so many and I’m honored to be a part of the company that has made it a reality.

There are currently over 60 signed MV-1 dealer locations, with much more in the works. Visit our website - www.mv-1.us - to find a dealer near you and to connect with our social networks. We look forward to seeing you on the road!