Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will showcase a new wheelchair-accessible minibus version of the Crafter at this year’s Commercial Vehicle (CV) Show 2019.

Built by Taxi Bus Conversions (TBC), in Northern Ireland, it features 16 passenger seats plus space for wheelchair users.

Entry is via a manually operated front entrance door with a modified stepwell or the Braun Vista Split inboard passenger lift at the rear. As the conversion is completed by a Recognised Partner, the Crafter Minibus comes with a conversion warranty that matches the base vehicle.

The 17-strong seat layout, including driver,is fully configurable, too, with quick release functions allowing the Crafter minibus to be adapted to accommodate up to six wheelchairs in a matter of minutes. There is also a choice of wheelchair and wheelchair occupant restraint systems available.

The new model will be offered through the Engineered To Go programme, which relaunched in January. The scheme is designed to provide customers with high quality converted products through Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ dedicated network of Van Centres and offers a cheaper and easier way for customers to get the conversions that they want.

Nick Axtell, specialist sales manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “This conversion meets a customer demand for a spacious minibus with the flexibility to adapt the seat configuration to transport wheelchair users. We expect huge interest in this vehicle at the CV Show 2019 and plan to place the finished product into our Engineered To Go programme so customers can get their hands on the conversion in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible.”

The new Volkswagen Crafter Minibus (demo vehicle built on CR50 rear wheel drive, long wheelbase, high roof) will be on display on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ stand at the CV Show 2019, which runs from April 30 to May 2 at the NEC Birmingham.

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