[Courtesy of Hyundai Motor]
The auto group said in a statement on August 18 that it launched "Enable LA," a pilot mobility service for people with mobility barriers, through a partnership with ButterFLi, an on-demand assisted transportation service provider. The demonstration involving two sport utility vehicle (SUV) models -- Palisade, Hyundai's flagship sport utility vehicle (SUV), and Telluride, Kia's flagship SUV -- will end in December 2021.
A total of six SUVs were specially modified to meet the United States' Americans with Disabilities ACT. All vehicles have a rear ramp and a compartment that can house a person in a wheelchair. The SUVs are also fitted with other safety equipment to safely carry passengers.
"Under our vision toward human-centered mobility, we want to make our services more accessible and inclusive to better ensure universal access for everyone and ultimately help achieve freedom of mobility for all," Hyundai auto group Chi Young-cho was quoted as saying.
The pilot program involving specially modified SUVs is part of Hyundai's Universal Mobility Project that aims to help people with physical, social and economic barriers through mobility services. While Enable LA focuses on people with mobility barriers, Hyundai will seek to expand its services to assist the elderly, pregnant women, children and low-income families.
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