The Automotive Industry; People with Disability
There is never a dull moment in the automotive industry. Every day, there are different innovations, technologies, and even ways to make the automotive industry better, and bigger. This time around, we are looking at a different target market; the disabled. There is nothing wrong with helping those in need and it is always a good thing to help others.
Let’s fill you in on what the industry/organizations are doing to help these target market!
In Singapore, people with disabilities will benefit from taxi subsidies and those travelling by car will be assisted by updates on the use of accessible spaces. The move was announced this year by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). According to http://www.straitstimes.com, the taxi scheme will be extended to those attending employment-related training supported by disability services and support organisation SG Enable. It will also cover Land Transport Authority-registered private-hire cars under third-party private-hire car service providers such as Grab and Uber. In addition, the MSF also plans to update car park labels, which allow disabled drivers park in accessible spaces by displaying a blue label. The move is also implemented in Malaysia.
The Government of New South Wales (NSW) recently announced a review of subsidies and incentives for point to point transport service for disabled people. The Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS) provides support for NSW residents who are unable to use public transport because of a disability. The NSW also provides an incentive payment for drivers of wheelchairs Accessible Taxis to improve the movement.
In Ireland, a repayment or remission of VAT is applicable for disabled drivers or a family member of a disabled passenger. A fuel grant is also available which can be claimed online (*up to 2,730 litres). They are also exempted from toll road fees.
Image source: http://jtech-impex.co.uk
In Japan, specially modified vehicles for the disabled are available for sale. This modification allows the disabled to drive the car themselves, as the modifications are made by replacing the additional foot control with switch controls. Some of the big manufacturers includes; Toyota, Nissan, Mazda and Mitsubishi. New technologies for car modifications are also moving rapidly in Scarborough and Hermon.