Motability celebrates one of its most successful years ever

Over the last year, Motability has introduced more choice to customers than ever before, providing thousands of disabled motorists with easier motoring, hassle-free new adaptations, new models and increasing the mileage allowance to 60,000 miles.

Mike Betts, chief executive of Motability Operations, the company which operates the Motability car scheme, commented: “In 2007, changes to the Motability Car Scheme have delivered more miles, greener motoring options and a further increase in the choice of makes and models available. Supporting this we have invested in key information tools to make it easier than ever to find out more about the Scheme. This has included improvements to the information available online at motability.co.uk and new guides to areas that can be confusing, such as adaptations.”

Key enhancements in 2007 have included:

Green choices

In January 2007 Motability introduced the first ever, dedicated ‘low emissions’ section of the quarterly price list featuring models with emissions lower than 120 grams per kilometre, including the hybrid Toyota Prius.

Adaptations guide

Motability produced a free guide packed with useful features, such as clear images of popular adaptations, possible adaptation solutions for common mobility limitations, and a checklist for getting the right car and adaptations.

New models – Audi, Jaguar and Subaru now available

For the first time cars by Audi, Jaguar and Subaru are available on the Motability Car Scheme, taking the choice of manufacturers for disabled drivers up to 36, an increase of over 30% in the last three years.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles fall in price

There are now a total of 543 wheelchair accessible vehicles within the 3,000-plus makes and models currently available to Motability customers. This includes 23 models based on Kangoo, Partner, Berlingo, Doblo and Combo at nil advance payment.

‘Ask Mo’

Motability has added a new conversation-friendly feature to help car Scheme customers on its website at motability.co.uk. An online virtual assistant, who goes by the name of Mo, can respond to hundreds of different queries about getting on the road – as well as engage in a chat!

Pinpoint an accessible dealer

Disabled motorists can now pinpoint the most accessible dealers in their area, using a new search tool on the Motability website (motability.co.uk). Motability has worked with directenquiries.com, the Nationwide Access Register, to publish online access information about each of the 4,000-plus car dealerships offering the Motability Scheme.

More miles – allowance increases to 60,000 miles

The mileage allowance for Motability customers has increased by an additional 15,000 miles to 60,000 miles for a three-year contract. This means that drivers can now travel further during their three-year lease, without incurring any excess mileage charges.

The Motability Scheme offers disabled motorists who receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance a brand new car every three years with insurance, personal accident cover, aftersales servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance from the RAC, an allowance of 60,000 miles over the three years, and free tyre replacement.

For more information about the Motability Scheme, visit motability.co.uk.