The conversion quality and the ease of use made the decision easier for us”
Brotherwood were delighted to deliver Lewis’ new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle – an amazing new Boundless Blue Ford Tourneo Connect ‘Active’, with our inclusive C’arete conversion – right on time for his birthday!
We caught up with Lewis and Mum & Dad, Claire & Mark, to see how they were enjoying their new vehicle, and what led them to choosing the compact yet spacious Tourneo Connect for their family transport.
Choosing a WAV
“We chose this particular model of car because of a requirement to downsize on the existing VW Caravelle WAV we’ve owned since 2015. We no longer needed such a large vehicle for the vast majority of Lewis’ transport needs, and the provision for 6 passenger seats along with Lewis was no longer necessary.
Before choosing the Ford we had reviewed a number of vehicles from a number of WAV providers, but the internal headroom and the rear door opening height were critical factors for Lew’s chair, and in many ways narrowed the choice significantly. In saying that, we were still very impressed with the design, functionality, performance and aesthetics of the Ford, so would have probably gone with it anyway.”
“We reviewed Ford WAVs from 2 suppliers, but the conversion quality and the ease of use of the Brotherwood model made the decision easier for us, and in our opinions compensated for the higher upfront payment that needed to be made through Motability.”
Favourite Features
“Every trip we’re finding something new and interesting on the car, like all the driver assist features, automatic headlight raising and dimming feature, heated steering wheel, heated seats, Apple CarPlay, etc. The car is packed with lots of toys and gadgets that are proving really useful and worthwhile. The car itself is really nice to drive, compact in size, comfortable, quiet and with all the performance you would require.
The conversion quality as previously stated is excellent and appears extremely robust. The counterbalance ramp is very clever, and takes a lot of strain out of lowering and raising the ramp. Whilst we had some initial reservations about using the PAWRS system, and how Lew’s carers would adapt to it, this was soon overcome after a few trips. The main carer has actually said she prefers this system to the one on his old car, so a big thumbs up here!”
“Visibility in the car is excellent through that massive window screen, and I’m so glad we went for the Panoramic roof which brings so much light and airiness into the vehicle as well.”
Versatility
The vehicle will be used for all of Lew’s transportation needs, be it short trips to the local therapy centres or long trips to places like Blackpool and beyond on mini-breaks. To give some indication, his last vehicle did 120,000 miles over 8 years, so was constantly in operation.
Personal Service
“The service from Brotherwood was excellent, and a big shout out for Jamie who did an amazing job in demonstrating and explaining the vehicle of the first visit, and then handing the vehicle over on the second visit. He was polite, patient (which is critical in family situations like ours!), articulate, clear, concise, and a lovely guy to deal with. He’s a great asset and ambassador to your business. He clearly has a great depth of knowledge of the products he works with, and also the products he sells against, which is always useful in trying to evaluate one manufacturers offering against an other. Sorry we kept him hanging around so long!”
“We also appreciated the absence of a “Hard Sell” approach from Brotherwood compared to some other WAV companies in the market. Decisions on things like this can, unfortunately, be drawn out processes, and the continued chasing on the phone is neither welcomed or required.”
Ongoing Support
“We would definitely recommend Brotherwood and this vehicle to other prospective customers. Early days yet, but first impressions have been good, and we are confident that the quality of ongoing support and communications will more than meet with our expectations.
The bow for Lewis’ birthday was a lovely touch!”
About Brotherwood
Brotherwood are the UK’s Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Specialists and are recognised as the market leader in Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Design. We believe that every WAV should prioritise comfort, inclusion, and safety for the wheelchair user.
Offering a range of new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles for sale, as well as factory refurbished WAVs; Brotherwood also offer flexible, long or short-term accessible vehicle hire.
Brotherwood offer free, no-obligation home demonstrations across the UK, and work in conjunction with Case Managers and Occupational Therapists to deliver mobility solutions for wheelchair users.
Brotherwood are also a certified CPD Member, offering free training sessions, study days and workshops to healthcare professionals involved in the provision of accessible transport; ensuring that Case Managers are equipped with the knowledge to enable them to perform transport needs assessments, and ensuring their client’s needs are accurately measured and met.
Brotherwood are also members of WAVCA (The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Convertors Association) and are approved suppliers to the Motability scheme.
For more information contact Brotherwood today on 0330 1747 555 or visit Brotherwood.com.
