VMI Signs Deal to Convert Toyota Sienna

• By Laurie Watanabe
• Oct 01, 2012

Vantage Mobility International (VMI) has signed an agreement to convert Toyota's popular Sienna minivan into a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

In a news announcement about the new partnership, VMI said the conversion would include its patented Northstar in-floor ramp system. VMI also manufactures accessible conversions of the Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivan models.

"We're pleased to have established a partnership with Toyota Motor Sales USA," said VMI President/CEO Doug Eaton. "Toyota has earned a reputation for leading in customer loyalty, which is why our customers have wanted VMI to offer a Toyota Sienna for years. This agreement will give them the Toyota that they've dreamed about."

Mark Oldenburg, Toyota's manager of national fleet marketing, mobility and strategic planning, said of the deal, "True to our brand promise, Toyota Mobility is focused on providing our customers with 'More Options, Less Compromise.' Therefore, we are very excited about the opportunity we now have with VMI as another conversion solution for the Toyota Sienna. We're also confident that our customers will be pleased once they see and experience the new Toyota Sienna with the VMI Northstar conversion."

VMI, based in Phoenix, planned to begin accepting customer orders for the Sienna in October.

"VMI is pacing the build of Siennas at smaller quantities from previous product launches to ensure our commitment to quality," said Eaton. "Initially it will be harder to get one, but you only get one chance to do a Toyota right."