AM General to build CNG-powered VPG MV-1 people-mover at Hummer H2 factory
Vehicle Production Group MV-1 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Remember the Standard Taxi from the Vehicle Production Group? It's now called the MV-1, and production is slated to begin next year at the AM General plant in Mishawaka, Indiana. That's the same assembly location where the Hummer H2 is built, which makes sense since the MV-1 is based on the same GM underpinnings as the behemoth SUV.
According to its makers, the MV-1 is the first purpose-built wheelchair-accessible vehicle in America, and it's able to accommodate up to six adults or two full-size wheelchairs. An ADA-approved ramp that stows under the vehicle's floor and a 36-inch wide side opening are designed to make entry and exit a simple affair.
With its body-on-frame construction made with fully boxed rails, the MV-1 should prove to be a durable people mover and its well-known GM drivetrain components should be easily serviceable. Further, VPG has teamed up with Clean Energy to develop a dedicated compressed natural gas powertrain option that will provide a 250-mile range with significantly reduced emissions.
Styling wise, the MV-1 may not be the prettiest machine on the road, but for those needing to transport wheelchair-bound passengers, this design may just be a thing of beauty. See for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.
Gallery: Vehicle Production Group MV-1
[Source: VPG Autos, Detroit Free Press]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
gorr 3:56PM (10/21/2009)
That a nice idea, a compressed natural gas engine. Why it don't exist already ?? Natural gas has more octane but occupied more space into the combustion chamber so a compressor is useful and efficient. No pollution and efficiency and lower cost for the engine, less weight fewer fuel cost.
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Chris 4:51PM (10/21/2009)
Looks a lot better than last time. Still have to deal with the natural gas infrastructure. It would be ideal for the Houston area where I live but there is a huge lack of CNG filling stations. 90% smog reduction and a 30% greenhouse gas reduction sounds good. I would still like to see a midsized diesel engine which could match the reduction of smog and greenhouse gases but would be higher in fuel economy and would last longer considering taxis are brutal on engines.
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