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- Dubai 04:25 05:43 12:19 15:46 18:50 20:09
The design is versatile allowing the lift equipment to easily fold away when not required, returning to its original configuration to transport five passengers. (SUPPLIED)
Al Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor for Toyota in the UAE, has produced a modified Hiace vehicle to transport wheelchair bound passengers for the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), which is part of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The unique design is the first of its kind for Al Futtaim Motors, and is particularly versatile, allowing the lift equipment to easily fold away when not required, returning to its original configuration to transport five passengers and their luggage.
Simon Frith, Managing Director, Al Futtaim Motors, said: “When DTC announced they were looking into developing a specialised fleet of taxi vehicles, we were delighted to have the opportunity to further support DTC in serving the community. We knew we had the technical capabilities to work on a suitable modification at our workshop in Dubai and have since handed over the transformed Hiace as a complementary prototype for testing.”
Al Futtaim Motors were invited to the DTC headquarters in Al Muhaisnah to formally handover the prototype at a ceremony attended by Abdul Aziz Malik, CEO, DTC and Yousif Mohammed Al Ali, Director of Fleet Operations Department, DTC.
Malik said: "This initiative falls within the strategic framework of the RTA and DTC, and demonstrates our solid commitment to providing for all sectors of the community, and especially for people with special needs. A key part of DTC’s operational plan for this year is to enhance its social interaction through the development of customer services, and the effective marketing of these initiatives.”
“It is our duty to address the needs of the community and we have experienced a demand for such specialised vehicles. Working with our long term associates, we are delighted to deliver comfortable solutions for all our passengers. The modification of the Toyota Hiace is extremely successful as it is easily adapted to suit different transport requirements. DTC has more than 3,500 vehicles of which over 59 per cent are Toyota vehicles, supplied by Al Futtaim Motors. The strength of the vehicle lies in its legendary performance and Toyota is known for its quality, durability and reliability which are essential requirement for taxi operations,” he added.
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