1965 Impala Ss Gauge on 2040-parts.com

First factory-built wheelchair-accessible vehicle hits the market

Before Wednesday, the only wheelchair-accessible vehicles available to the public were aftermarket conversions that generally came with structural modifications and a price tag ranging from $50,000 to $80,000. Now, a startup company called the Vehicle Production Group (VPG) has released the first vehicle specifically assembled to accommodate people in wheelchairs, with an MSRP of $39,950. The vehicle is called the MV-1, which stands for Mobility Vehicle 1, and it was built for the disabled community.

Telematics--It’s What’s For Breakfast: Hyundai, Toyota latest to connect their drivers

Two more carmakers have connected their customers to the cloud. Hyundai introduced its Blue Link platform at the Consumer Telematics Show, held the day before the Consumer Electronics Show opens in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Toyota revealed details of its coming Entune system at CES.

Lincoln gets own design studio

Ford is creating a dedicated design studio for its luxury brand Lincoln in an ongoing bid to rejuvenate the brand and position it further apart from the core Ford offering. The new design studio will be situated in the Product Development Center in Dearborn, Michigan, with Max Wolff – recruited from Cadillac last year – charged with leading the brand in its revival efforts. Ford has also announced that it will be increasing spending on the brand, giving it unique interiors and powertrains.