Special feature at the 63rd IAA Cars "Mobility solutions for all”
Being mobile: no limits despite limitations
Individual mobility is a basic human need. Cars are not only a means of getting around, but also an expression of personality and a slice of freedom. However, some people find physical disability limits their individual mobility, either temporarily or permanently. This is another area where the automotive industry is looking for solutions. Companies are developing attractive vehicles that are designed especially for the disabled and the elderly so that these persons can also continue to be "mobile at any stage."
Visitors to the 63rd IAA Cars can see for themselves how mobility concepts for everyone at any stage of life can be applied in cars. For the first time, the IAA is addressing the topic in an IAA special feature entitled "Mobile at any stage," which is specifically for physically handicapped persons. This is a joint activity organized by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), the German association of converters of vehicles for the mobility-impaired (Verband der Fahrzeugumrüster für mobilitätseingeschränkte Personen, VfmP), the German Road Safety Council (DVR), DEKRA, BMW, Daimler and Opel.
Throughout the trade show, from 17 to 27 September 2009, there will be a display of attractive vehicles adapted for the elderly and the disabled covering over 800 sq m at Stand D30 in Hall 4. The vehicles by BMW, Opel and Daimler are equipped with intelligent features such as swing and swivel seats, proximity warning systems and headup displays, tailored to the needs of these groups. Comfortable and highly advanced adaptations maintain and promote mobility and increase the level of safety on the roads. In addition to visiting the vehicle exhibition, visitors can test their reactions and muscular strength at automatic testing stations.
Vehicles adapted for the disabled and the elderly can not only be admired on the stand, but can also be "experienced and moved." At the "Test and Drive" area in front of Hall 9, visitors to the IAA can try out their driving talents in the specially equipped vehicles from the different manufacturers on a course designed to test their skill.
Further information on the topic will be available at the specialist event entitled "Mobility for all stages" on 25 September 2009, from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. in Hall 4, Stand D30. Experts from the realms of politics, science, road safety and vehicle conversion will be there to present and discuss the latest findings about the expectations that the less mobile have of automotive mobility with people who are affected themselves.
Disabled persons whose ID card is marked "B," and wheelchair users with any degree of disability, will be admitted to the IAA along with an attendant free of charge during the whole of the trade show. Furthermore, at the trade fair grounds there will be a sufficient number of parking spaces for disabled persons, including some at Hall 4. Access to the trade fair grounds and the joint stand is disabled-friendly.
Visitors to the 63rd IAA Cars can experience these events and activities, and many others, in Frankfurt am Main from 17 to 27 September 2009. Comprehensive information about the trade show, e.g. the special shows, opening times and advance ticket sales, can be found on the Internet at the official IAA web site: www.iaa.de.
