Gowrings Mobility converts its 500th Citroen Berlingo Multispace

Citroen and Gowrings Mobility have just reached a unique milestone in the supply of wheelchair accessible passenger cars. Newbury-based Gowrings Mobility, the UK’s longest established manufacturer and supplier of wheelchair accessible conversions, has just converted its 500th Citroen Berlingo Multispace. The milestone conversion is based on the newly launched, Euro IV powered Berlingo Multispace 1.6HDi model.

In addition to two new, low emission Euro 1V 1.6HDi diesels rated at 75 or 90hp, the latest Berlingo Multispace models are offered with a choice of Euro IV 1.4i 75hp and 1.6i 110hp petrol engines. Also, the New Berlingo Multispace range benefits from even higher levels of safety equipment – lateral airbags and ABS, now with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), have been added to a standard specification, which already includes remote central locking, electric front windows, heated mirrors/electrically adjustable passenger mirror as well as driver and front passenger airbags.

The new Berlingo Multispace Euro IV range has also gained smart new exterior styling changes including rear lights with Crystal inserts, further exterior body-colour coding, Copacabana wheel trims and new body side mouldings.

With the launch of the latest Citroen Berlingo Multispace, Gowrings Mobility has upgraded the specification of its wheelchair accessible passenger cars. This conversion can accommodate one wheelchair user, up to three seated passengers and the driver. Key to the conversion’s many benefits is the removal of the Berlingo Multispace’s rear floor section and its replacement with a strengthened, lowered floor.

At the rear, there is a short, lightweight, drop-down ramp, which, thanks to the lowered floor has a shallow angle for easy access. The low floor also enables the wheelchair user to be seated at the same height as the other rear passengers, aiding conversation. In transit, the wheelchair is safely retained by a four-point securing system and the wheelchair user has a personal lap and diagonal seatbelt.

The Gowrings Mobility Berlingo Multispace 1.6 HDi conversion has achieved Low Volume Type Approval, having passed a series of stringent safety tests, where the wheelchair restraints, new seats, seat belts and ramp were pull-tested for optimum occupant safety. This conversion is also available with optional lowering rear suspension for even easier wheelchair accessibility and Gowrings Mobility has a new package of rear seat options.

Linda Ling, Gowrings Mobility’s managing director, comments, "As the largest supplier of wheelchair accessible Berlingo Multispace conversions in the UK, we are delighted to be working so closely with Citroen. The new Euro IV powered Berlingo Multispace range, together with our latest conversion package, is an even better transport solution for wheelchair users."

Citroen is one of the largest suppliers of mobility-adapted vehicles in the UK. The Berlingo Multispace, with the Gowrings Mobility wheelchair accessible conversion is now available on very competitive contract hire rates through the Citroen Motability programme. Full details are available from the Citroen Motability Hotline, tel: 08457 511611.

Scott Westerby, Citroen’s commercial vehicle sales manager, adds, "Citroen is pleased to be working with leading converters to provide mobility-adapted transport solutions. The production of the 500th Berlingo Multispace, with the Gowrings Mobility wheelchair accessible conversion is a major milestone and an indication of the popularity of this product."

This year, Citroen has been helping to raise the awareness of adapted vehicles and urge more disabled people to get motoring by supporting ‘Seize the Day’, Gowrings Mobility’s 40th anniversary promotion. As such, Citroen provided a Berlingo Multispace, which was recently won by the Richmond-upon-Thames branch of the MS Society. The Berlingo Multispace is now being used transport its 120 members, many of whom are wheelchair users, to meetings, social events, to hospital appointments or for respite care.