Major Partnership Launches to Transform Accessible Vehicle Ownership
Mobility in Motion, a leading UK specialist in vehicle adaptations and accessible mobility solutions, has announced a significant partnership with three major car manufacturers. The company will collaborate with Kia, Nissan, and Vauxhall on the innovative Adapt & Drive car purchase scheme, set to launch from Monday 2nd February 2026.
Launching Nationwide Through Selected Dealers
The scheme will initially be available through selected car dealers across the United Kingdom, bringing together a diverse range of vehicles with specialist adaptations. This partnership combines years of Mobility in Motion's expertise in supporting customers with the manufacturing capabilities and trusted reputations of these automotive leaders.
Matt Fieldhouse, group managing director at Mobility in Motion, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. "We're proud to be partnering with Kia, Nissan, and Vauxhall on the Adapt & Drive car purchase scheme," he stated. "This collaboration brings together trusted manufacturers, a wide choice of vehicles, and our specialist adaptation expertise to make accessible motoring simpler and more inclusive. It also reinforces our commitment to helping people drive away with confidence, independence and the right solution for their needs."
Manufacturer Commitment to Accessibility
Eurig Druce, Vauxhall managing director and Stellantis UK Group managing director, emphasised the importance of this initiative. "At Vauxhall, the importance of accessibility and mobility for all is at the heart of everything we do," he explained. "We are committed to ensuring that all drivers, especially those with disabilities, have seamless and affordable access to vehicles that can adapt to meet their needs. We are proud to be supporting Mobility in Motion and its Adapt & Drive initiative; this new approach to adapted vehicle ownership will provide greater ease, independence and freedom for those who require it most."
Survey Reveals Strong Demand for Better Solutions
The partnership announcement follows revealing research conducted by Mobility in Motion, which surveyed over 300 respondents nationwide. The findings indicate that people who rely on adapted vehicles are increasingly frustrated by limited options for owning vehicles that meet their specific needs.
Addressing Real-World Mobility Challenges
The survey discovered that while many disabled drivers, passengers, and people with limited mobility rely on established schemes to access vehicles, a significant number cannot use these options and feel they have little choice when it comes to owning an adapted new car. Key concerns identified include:
- The complexity of arranging vehicle adaptations
- Navigating multiple different providers
- Lack of a single company to support the entire purchase and adaptation journey
Fieldhouse explained the motivation behind the research. "We conducted this survey because too often decisions about mobility are made without fully understanding the lived experience of disabled people and those with limited mobility," he said. "We wanted to listen properly before designing anything new. Having launched Mobility in Motion three years ago, we understand there is a large section of the community who are not able to make use of existing great schemes, like the Motability Scheme, and that's where we can really help."
Consistent Feedback Shapes New Approach
The research revealed striking consistency in feedback from respondents. "What really stood out to me was how many people shared the same frustrations," Fieldhouse noted. "This is not about people wanting something extra. It is about wanting solutions that work in real life and gives people options. These insights are directly shaping our plans for Adapt & Drive. They confirm there is a real need for an adapted car purchase scheme that is simple, flexible, built around people's needs, and available to all, ultimately giving people greater independence."
Everyday Realities of Mobility Needs
The survey, shared predominantly with people with disabilities or limited mobility, reflects the everyday realities of securing suitable vehicles within this community. Approximately 83% of respondents reported needing vehicle adaptations, either for themselves or someone they support.
Essential Adaptations for Daily Life
Many respondents require multiple adaptations, including:
- Hand controls for steering and braking
- Specialised steering aids
- Boot hoists for wheelchair storage
- Customised seating arrangements
Rather than being viewed as optional extras, adaptations were consistently described as essential to daily life. Respondents particularly emphasised the importance of affordability and flexibility, with one participant stating: "Monthly affordability and customisation of adaptations are essential. Everyone's needs are different."
Desire for Simplicity and Choice
While existing schemes remain widely used and valued, the research points to a clear appetite for purchase pathways that simplify the experience of owning an adapted vehicle. Respondents consistently highlighted challenges with navigating fragmented processes, as one explained: "I would be interested in buying a car, but only if the process actually reflects how disabled people live."
The survey findings suggest that for people who need adaptations, the complexity of buying a car is often multiplied by having to manage multiple providers, processes, and timelines. Respondents emphasised the importance of a simpler, more joined-up approach that removes unnecessary stress from what is already a significant decision.
A Market Ready for Innovation
The research indicates that people with mobility needs are not simply looking for cheaper options, but for simpler and more flexible solutions available to all. Many respondents expressed openness to engaging with new approaches to adapted vehicle ownership.
"This research confirms what we have long suspected," Fieldhouse concluded. "The market is ready for change, and Adapt & Drive is our response."
The Adapt & Drive scheme represents a significant step forward in making accessible motoring more inclusive and straightforward, addressing genuine needs identified through comprehensive research and developed in partnership with leading automotive manufacturers.
