Iveco, in partnership with Derbyshire-based Minibus Options, has revealed the UK’s largest wheelchair converted minibus, with space for up to seven chairs.
Based on the Iveco Daily, the UK’s largest panel van, the Busmaster conversion uses the new 4.1m wheelbase and the extra-long rear overhang option to give 7.6m of overall length . The 17-seater uses a cut-in stepwell and a manual-folding step from the nearside door, aiding access for passengers with reduced mobility. For wheelchair users an electro-hydraulic tail lift at the rear provides easy entry.
Fred James, Sales Director at Minibus Options, said, “The Daily has provided us with an opportunity to use all of our experience to design a vehicle which is entering the realms of coach-built minibuses in terms of wheelchair capacity. Previously if you wanted more than six wheelchairs on board you’d need to take the coach-built route.”
An Iveco Natural Power conversion will also be offered, giving a low-emission option when running on natural gas. Abdi Ali, Product Manager at Iveco Bus explained, “Increasingly, customers are looking seriously at low-emission LCVs, and natural gas is an efficient technical solution available to solve pollution-related problems in urban areas. The team at Minibus Options has been working hard on the design, and we’re looking forward to seeing the first Daily Natural Power minibus conversion produced for the UK market.”
Both versions feature the latest Iveco passenger comforts, including individual contoured passenger seats mounted on a quick-release track mechanism, twin electrically operated roof air vents, saloon LED lighting and a reversing camera for safety. Based on the Daily 50C15 panel van, a 3.0-litre Euro 6 diesel engine is fitted with the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission.
