Glasgow's Allied Vehicles given £1.3m for wheelchair-friendly electric cars
It's hoped the funding will give people with disabilities more choices when buying mobility cars
Last updated 28th Jul 2023
Glasgow-based business, Allied Vehicles, has secured more than a million pounds from Scottish Enterprise to make electric cars disability-friendly.
It is in a bid to give wheelchair users more choices when buying accessible vehicles, as Scotland transitions to net-zero.
As Europe’s largest manufacturer and supplier of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, Allied uses its engineering skills to remanufacture vehicles from brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Peugeot and Citroen to improve transport accessibility for people with mobility issues.
Allied employs 630 staff at its site at Glasgow’s Possilpark and the new R&D project will create 35 jobs as it enters sustainable transport markets and is in addition to 35 additional roles bolstered by the company’s expansion plans as it continues to provide valuable inclusive mobility options.
The project will also focus on the development of an electronics package for low-emissions taxis, such as those required for Glasgow’s new Low Emissions Zone.
'First-class accessibility solutions'
Managing director of Allied Vehicles, Peter Facenna, said: “Engineering innovation and development are key to our plans to expand our UK and international business activity, by providing first class accessibility solutions for people with severely impaired mobility.
“The advent of hybrid and electric vehicles is great news for the environment but also poses particular challenges in terms of design and accessibility for disabled customers.
“Support from Scottish Enterprise is vital in helping us take forward research and development work required to address these new challenges.
"It is also key to furthering our growing exports throughout continental Europe.”
'Freedom, choice and dignity'
Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said: “This is a major investment by Allied Vehicles, securing new jobs as it transitions away from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles.
“Tackling inequality is a priority for the Scottish Government, and our accessible travel framework commits to ensuring all disabled people can travel with freedom, choice, dignity and opportunity. Our world-leading climate targets also include a commitment to building electric vehicle capacity and infrastructure.
“This latest innovative investment project brings together both aims - to ensure Scotland transitions to net zero, while we build a fair and equal society for everyone.”