WATCH

Durability

Overview

Drivers and passengers shouldn’t have to worry about the durability of their vehicles. Fleet operators can neither risk costly vehicle downtime nor put their passengers’ safety at risk. Likewise, consumer vehicle owners cannot risk compromising their safety or their independence. That’s why the purpose-built MV-1 was developed. The wheelchair accessible MV-1 is designed to maximize durability and specifically withstand the rigors of a day-to-day taxi or paratransit fleet cycle, while providing the accessibility and comfort customers demand.

Frame Structure

The MV-1 features a durable body-on-frame design, which involves mounting a separate body to a rigid frame that supports the drivetrain. The body-on-frame design is typically the preferred construction method for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Our body-on-frame design is more durable as a result of a stiffer, more substantial frame with fully boxed sections, not just “C” sections. The use of full-boxed and tubed supportive cross-members provides additional stiffness and durability. Additionally, the frame is coated with a rust inhibitor which will increase the longevity of the vehicle.

Powertrain

Tucked underneath the hood of the MV-1 is the Ford 4.6L 2V EFI V8, a true workhorse of an engine. One that’s proven dependable with millions of road miles to its credit. The transmission is a Ford 4R75E Electronic 4 Speed Automatic with Overdrive built to compliment the powerful V8. With 248 hp at 4,750 RPM and 294 ft. lb of torque at 4,000 RPM, the MV-1 has plenty of power but still offers a smooth, comfortable ride.

Suspension

In addition to the fixed rear differential and two-piece drive shaft, we’ve added a de Dion rear suspension with steel leaf springs which keeps the wheels parallel to each other and therefore perpendicular to the road resulting in improved traction. Another benefit to the de Dion suspension is the reduction of unsprung mass giving the vehicle a better ride. The weight of the differential is fixed to the frame and not traveling up and down with the suspension.

The front suspension of the MV-1 is a Short Long Arm (SLA) suspension, which has been tuned to optimize package, weight, and wheel motion. The SLA suspension yields a tight turning radius and the ability to package a rack and pinion steering gear.

Testing is Proof

To ensure the MV-1 structure, powertrain and suspension stand up as expected to the physical demands of its customers, MV-1 prototypes have already endured the equivalent of more than 300,000 miles of accelerated durability testing on proving grounds which duplicated the toughest roads and routes in North America. Other recent activities include:

  • Crash Tests and Analysis
  • Antilock Brakes (ABS) and Stability Control Calibration
  • Ride and Handling
  • Climate Controlled Wind Tunnel Testing

It’s clear that the purpose-built MV-1 is a durable and long-lasting vehicle. In fact, it’s built like a truck, but drives like a car.