09/09/2005
Phoenix based Vantage Mobility International [VMI] has introduced another innovative mobility product solution: the Mark 1 cassette-style platform lift.
The Mark 1 has endured over two years of extensive testing with over 17,000 cycles and has met all of the rigorous requirements of NHTSA's FMVSS 403 prior to being released in August. VMI has already trained over 100 dealer locations in the proper installation and service of this new design. During the recent VMI "Top Gun" training of leading technicians, the Mark 1 was overwhelmingly sighted as being the best cassette-style lift in the industry in regards to product design, function, and ease of service.
Unlike other designs currently in the market, this cassette-style platform lift requires no pressure sensor pads to be installed in the vehicle's interior and is securely bolted to the frame of the vehicle. Per Zach Schroeck, VMI's product manager for Ricon,
"We were given a big design challenge with this product. In addition to the FMVSS 403/404 compliance that required a threshold warning device, consumers and dealers alike said they did not want any interior pressure sensing pad. Not only does it add time to the installation, users could be inconvenienced by accidentally rolling over this pad therefore preventing the lift from operating. By working with our Ricon counterparts, the engineering team developed an ultrasonic sensor which provides a visual warning as well as an optional audible alarm, if the user passes the vehicle threshold when the lift is not at floor level. This innovation requires no internal floor space thereby giving consumers the maximum interior maneuverability space possible."
The Mark 1 design provides other features such as improved ground clearance in addition to a new cosmetic fascia. This fascia can be matched to the vehicles' OEM paint which results in the lift being cosmetically pleasing as opposed to taking away from the vehicles style and design. The fascia also acts as a safety feature; it ensures the lift remains fully stowed while driving. Another consumer and dealer request was to make the lift operation smooth and reliable up to 600 pounds. This Mark 1 design provides little if any deflection, even under capacity loads. To improve installation time, VMI and Ricon worked with Intermotive to introduce a patented easy "plug and play" interlock system. This design avoids time-consuming wiring installations that are prone to failures in the field.
VMI's timing of the Mark 1 introduction could not have been better with the recent announcement of the new full-size van partnership with Tuscany interiors.
"Our vision is to supply the best mobility products for both our end users and our dealers. Dealers will be able to order a turn key mobility product solution directly from the point of manufacturing. With the Tuscany interior, Ricon transfer seats, and the Mark 1 cassette-style platform lift, VMI by far has the best in class full-size lowered floor van. We believe this is another way to help our dealers improve profitability, while also providing for users unique mobility challenges with quality product solutions" stated Mark Roberts, vice president of sales for VMI.
The Mark 1 is only available through trained VMI dealers. To find an authorized dealer in your area, or to sign up for the next VMI University dealer training please contact VMI at 602-304-3273. For more information please contact Monique McGivney, Marketing Coordinator.
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