Automated manufacture: When making vehicles 'wheelchair-accessible' automation is key to cost-effective production

摘要

Making vehicles 'wheelchair-accessible' is big business for Sussex-based Constables Ltd, which is currently converting over 1,000 vehicles a year. This has earned the company the No 2 spot in the UK for this type of work, and it plans to branch out into Europe in the near future. Constables currently undertakes conversions of Citroen, Renault, Peugeot and Nissan models, working closely with the vehicle manufacturers on the design of the conversions, plus the materials and parts used. Conversions have to be certified by the VCA (the UK's national approval authority for new road vehicles); this is hardly surprising when one considers that providing wheelchair access involves removing a substantial part of the vehicle's 'back end', followed by the installation of a new floor pan, rear and front beams, a new fuel tank, a new exhaust, gas struts and after-market seats, plus assorted brackets, fasteners and catches - not to mention a considerable amount of re-upholstery and re-trimming to return the vehicle to 'showroom condition.' Indeed, managing director David Constable says the conversion process is undertaken to a standard similar to that of the original vehicle build.