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Independent Mobility Systems and Toyota Introduce the 2004 Sienna Rampvan |  |
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Detroit, MI—January 6, 2003—Today, at the 2003 North American International Auto Show, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. (TMS) and Independent Mobility Systems, Inc. (IMS) announced their collaboration on the 2004 Sienna Rampvan, the first Toyota vehicle created for Americans with mobility challenges. At the Detroit exposition, a prototype of the converted 2004 Sienna was displayed alongside the stock version of the vehicle. A model in a wheelchair demonstrated the Sienna Rampvan's automatic in-floor ramp, its automatic passenger sliding door, and the vehicle's "power kneel" system, which compresses the suspension while extending the ramp to create a more gentle angle for entrance and egress. According to Greg Anesi, president and founder of IMS, Toyota approached the New Mexico-based company in mid-2001 about collaborating on a wheelchair-accessible minivan. "We were very flattered to be Toyota's partner of choice for this exciting project," said Anesi. "Toyota has long been at the top of our list of companies we'd like to work with." Though Toyota is the number one manufacturer of mobility vehicles in Japan, they had not yet launched a product in the US market. IMS engineers spent over a year evaluating designs, making modifications, and eventually coming up with the final conversion. Meanwhile, executives from both companies worked in concert to ensure that their customers will have the best possible experience in sales, service, and overall satisfaction. The redesigned Sienna minivan will be manufactured in a new production line at the Toyota plant in Princeton, IN. Vans slated for the accessibility market will be converted at the IMS plant in Farmington, NM, then distributed through IMS's national network of mobility vehicle dealers. Bob Swaim, who heads Toyota Mobility, says that TMS hand-picked IMS from a close field of competitors. The decision to forge a partnership with IMS hinged on both companies' commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. "Toyota is very pleased to be working with IMS to produce the first wheelchair-accessible Toyota vehicle," said Swaim. "We see this as a significant opportunity, both for Toyota and our customers, and will be closely watching the process as the product rolls out." This is the first time a major auto manufacturer has introduced a new mobility vehicle at the same time it announced its mainstream counterpart. The 2004 Sienna Rampvan will be introduced in June 2003 in selected markets. Nationwide availability is expected by June 2004. Pricing for the Sienna Rampvan will be announced in June 2003. About ToyotaEstablished in 1957, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. (TMS) directs the sales and service of Toyota and Lexus products throughout the United States. A division of Japan's Toyota Motor Corporation, TMS has its headquarters in Torrance, CA. The nationwide organization includes 12 regional offices, 11 parts centers, and 5 vehicle centers, plus 1,201 Toyota dealers and 184 Lexus dealers. According to a recent article in USA Today, Toyota is currently very close to outpacing Ford to become the best-selling car brand in the US. More information about Toyota is available online at http://www.toyota.com. Specifics about the Toyota Mobility Assistance program are located at http://www.toyota.com/mobility. About Independent Mobility SystemsA privately held corporation, Independent Mobility Systems, Inc. was founded in 1987 in Farmington, NM, by Greg Anesi. IMS was built on the philosophy that all Americans deserve reliable, accessible personal transportation. The new Sienna Rampvan is just the latest addition to a respected product line dedicated to assistive mobility. Further information about IMS and its products can be found on the company's home page at http://www.imsvans.com.
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