LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--REV Group (NYSE:REVG), a $2.4 billion manufacturer of industry-leading specialty vehicle brands and leading provider of parts and services, today introduced the world’s first production plug-in gas/electric hybrid wheelchair accessible vehicle at the LA Auto Show. The base vehicle is the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, and the introduction was part of the FCA exhibit highlighting the breadth of its automotive technologies. The introduction also marked the first public show for REV Group’s latest specialty vehicle brand, Revability.
"Our company motto is we ‘connect and protect’,” said REV Group president and CEO Tim Sullivan. “These are not just words. For REV these words connote action. We design, produce and service the safest mobility vans in the industry to ensure that those individuals that require our vehicles can connect. We are fully dedicated to serving the mobility industry with the most cost effective, highest quality vehicles possible. We believe that our conversion of the new Pacifica Hybrid vans provide our industry with the safest and most cost effective vehicle in the industry today."
REV Group’s mobility division, Revability, was completely responsible for conversion of the plug-in gas/electric hybrid Chrysler Pacifica, which was created at its Clarkston, Mich., facility. Modifications included redesign / construction of flooring, deployable ramp, fabricating and relocating of a new gas tank, and other structural changes to ensure safety and stability.
Badged the Revability Advantage Pacifica, the vehicle features front and middle-row captain’s seats with wheelchair accessibility from the rear of the vehicle via a manual low-effort counter balanced ramp. There is an optional trifold ramp available that maximizes luggage compartment storage space when the wheelchair is not being used. When folded in this configuration, it provides secure storage beneath the ramp, while maintaining wheelchair accessibility.
The Revability Advantage Pacifica is rated at 84 MPG as a result of a reduction of the 16.5-gallon fuel tank to a 14-gallon capacity during the conversion process, and there is a slight decrease in potential range. It retains all OEM functionality, with the ability to accommodate a wheelchair.
“Our customers expect the latest in vehicle technology, both from an accessibility standpoint, and a technological standpoint. We’re here to offer vehicles that provide maximum accessibility and freedom, and are also environmentally friendly,” said Chuck Fortinberry, vice president of Revability. “This vehicle continues REV Group’s tradition of providing the highest quality hand-crafted specialty vehicles to its customers based on the latest technology available.”
The vehicle is intended for commercial and personal use. It could be put into service commercially by Q1 of 2018.
About REV Group
REV (REVG) is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services. REV serves a diversified customer base primarily in the United States through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial and Recreation. REV provides customized vehicle solutions for applications including: essential needs (ambulances, fire apparatus, school buses, mobility vans and municipal transit buses), industrial and commercial (terminal trucks, cut-away buses and street sweepers) and consumer leisure (recreational vehicles (“RVs”) and luxury buses). REV’s brand portfolio consists of 30 well-established principal vehicle brands including many of the most recognizable names within our served markets. Several of REV’s brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years. Investors-REVG
