Toyota Supports Mobility With The Braun Sienna Rampvan Conversion
October 1, 2007 – Torrance, CA - Toyota and Braun Ability offer two models of the Sienna Rampvan for 2008 as part of their commitment to customers with special mobility needs. Two versions of the side-entry Rampvan continue for 2008, an “Infloor” ramp model and a "Foldout" ramp model.
Through Toyota's Mobility Assistance initiative, the company provides cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 to eligible, original retail customers for the cost they paid to purchase and install qualifying adaptive driving or passenger equipment for transporting persons with physical disabilities. The offer applies to all purchased or leased new 2006 and later Toyota, Lexus or Scion vehicles, which must be adapted within 12 months of delivery date.
Two Side-Access Rampvan Models
The Braun Sienna Rampvan features one of the tallest door openings, generous ground clearance, and substantial headroom in the center of the minivan. It also provides the widest floor, both in the driver's seating position and at the B-pillar. The Sienna Rampvan offers a carrying capacity of 1,463 lbs. with the standard conversion that includes two quick-release front seats; no weight was added as a result of the standard conversion.
The OEM fuel tank and muffler were both relocated, allowing the Sienna Rampvan to retain a 20-gallon fuel capacity. In contrast, competitive minivan conversions require the substitution of smaller mufflers and special, fabricated fuel tanks to fit in the available space.
Standard equipment includes multiple wheelchair tie-down points, emergency door-ramp release, anti-skid ramp coating, removable driver's and/or passenger seats, power sliding side and rear doors, and power ramp with three conveniently located control switches. Front seating that can be switched from the driver's side to the passenger location enables a wheelchair user to move between driving and riding positions. An optional special key chain, when held up to a switch hidden in the rear taillight of the minivan, automatically opens the door and deploys the ramp. The exclusive bump-and-reverse design allows the ramp or door to retract if either path is obstructed.
Sienna Rampvan dealers offer two versions with right-side access. The Infloor model includes a right-side entry ramp with a 10-inch lowered floor. The lowered floor decreases the ramp angle, allows deployment onto curbs with ease, helps make the vehicle easier to enter and exit and increases interior headroom.
The 30-inch-wide ramp with a full one-inch lip on either side deploys from a pocket under the floor and drops to the ground at the end of its extension. Full ramp extension requires only five seconds after the power sliding side door is fully open. In case of power failure, the conversion also incorporates a simple manual ramp deployment system.
The Sienna Rampvan Foldout model offers a ramp that folds out of the right side sliding door opening and features an 11-inch lowered floor, for one more inch of headroom, which can be critical for some customers. This vehicle provides a door opening height of just over 54 inches and also features a unique anti-rattle device. Like the Infloor Rampvan, there is also a simple manual device in case of vehicle power failure.
Available Mobility Assistance Packages
Siennas sold to Braun for conversion incorporate special Mobility Prep Packages which facilitate conversion. One Mobility Prep Package deletes the carpet, and adds heavy-duty suspension to all models. The other Mobility Prep Package for 2008, includes options for LE models that are of special value to a person with a disability, including power right and left passenger sliding doors and power rear door, eight-way power driver's seat, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a trip computer with HomeLink®.
Power Lift-Up Seats for Any Sienna
Toyota has entered into an exclusive agreement with Bruno Independent Living Aids to offer Lift-Up seats for any current-generation Sienna. Manufactured by Toyota Auto Body in Japan, the Lift-Up seats are available through selected Bruno mobility equipment dealers. All Bruno Lift-Up and Turny seats qualify for the full $1,000 Toyota Mobility Assistance reimbursement.
The Bruno Lift-Up Power Mobility Seats are available for both the right front passenger and the right middle seat positions of 2004 – 2008 Siennas. Both power seats rotate 90 degrees and extend out of the vehicle and lower to within 12 inches off the ground, to facilitate entry and exit by less able persons who have difficulty getting into and out of a vehicle.
Toyota Mobility Assistance Program
Toyota announced the Mobility Assistance initiative in 2001 to reach out to the expanding base of potential customers among the 54 million Americans with disabilities. The number-one cause of disability in the U.S. is arthritis, which afflicts nearly half of all seniors. The senior population was 76 million in 2000 and is projected to grow to 116 million by 2020 – or 36 percent of the U.S. population.
The Mobility Assistance Program includes a comprehensive resource information web site at
www.toyota.com/mobility, where consumers can locate rehabilitation specialists, driving instructors for persons with disabilities, and mobility equipment dealers who sell and install the equipment as well as provide user training.
SIENNA RAMPVAN SPECIFICATIONS*
Infloor Foldout
Overall vehicle height 74.0 74.0
Overall vehicle length 200.0 200.0
Overall vehicle width 77.375 77.375
Door opening height 54.0 54.25
Door opening width 31.375 31.375
Interior height (center of van) 58.25 59.25
Interior height (driver's position) 56.75 57.75
Ground clearance 5.75 6.25
Floor length behind front seats 56.125 56.125
Overall lowered floor length 84.0 84.0
Floor width (B-post)
Floor width (center)
Floor width at driver's position 64.0 64.0
Ramp length 52.5 53.0
Ramp width 30.0 29.75
Ramp angle (when kneeled) 10.0 degrees 8.5 degrees
*All dimensions in inches.
Linear Mode
