Automotive Group

Automotive Group: Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Conversions from Newcastle upon Tyne

Automotive Group is a privately owned family business that has been involved in the design and adaptation of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) for over 45 years. The company operates from premises on the banks of the River Tyne in Newcastle upon Tyne, and its logo incorporates the Latin word Segedunum Domus, meaning "Strong Fort", a reference to the Roman fort whose remains are adjacent to the site.

The core of the offer is a range of converted vehicles built with a lowered, flat floor. According to the company, this design makes journeys safer and smoother for wheelchair users and easier for carers. The wheelchair area is integrated within the vehicle's original safety cell and includes a built-in anti-submarine low-angle lightweight ramp intended to reduce the risk of occupant slippage. The company states that its systems are built to European Whole Vehicle Type Approval standards in both design and safety.

New Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

The new WAV range is based on Citroen models, with four conversions listed at the time of writing. Each is available with an advance payment figure and a cash price, and each is presented with a set of seating and access characteristics.

• Citroen Berlingo M — advance payment from £3,795; cash price from £27,995 + VAT. Described as versatile and stylish with wide low-angle access, extensive headroom and a choice of seating. Up to 4 seats plus 1 wheelchair. A free reversing camera is included.
• Citroen Berlingo XL — advance payment from £4,995; cash price from £29,995 + VAT. A family-oriented model with wheelchair passenger and optional attendant access between second-row seating, a wide low-angle lightweight rear access ramp and an easy-to-use securing system. Up to 5 seats plus 1 wheelchair. A free reversing camera is included.
• Citroen Spacetourer M — advance payment from £8,595; cash price from £36,495 + VAT. A luxury spacious interior with up to 7 seats plus a wheelchair user, wide low-angle access, extensive headroom and access between rear seating. Citroen rear heater and air-conditioning fitted as standard. Free heating and air conditioning are included.
• Citroen Spacetourer XL — advance payment from £9,695; cash price from £36,995 + VAT. Spacious interior with wide low-angle access and extensive headroom, rear heating and air-conditioning as standard. Up to 2 wheelchairs with the driver, an Assister winch to help access, and a powered ramp and tailgate. Up to 6 seats plus 2 wheelchairs. Free heating and air conditioning are included.

The range also includes a Renault Trafic conversion, listed in the navigation alongside the Citroen models. The company offers both new and nearly new/used WAVs.

Demonstrations and National Coverage

Automotive Group provides a free, no-obligation home demonstration across the UK, with a guaranteed home demo within 10 working days. The demonstration is tailored to the customer's daily routine and covers the journey from their doorstep to the places they travel most. A dedicated national team assists customers in determining their exact requirements and can arrange a demonstration at home or at the workplace at a convenient time. Once an order is placed, the company provides an approximate delivery schedule and keeps the customer updated at each stage.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Dedicated WAV aftercare includes an annual visit from a national mobile customer care team, which carries out an inspection and establishes whether any adjustments or repairs are necessary. Alternatively, the company provides a courtesy accessible vehicle should the need arise. The site also lists repair and maintenance information among its resources.

Motability Scheme and Taxi Conversions

Automotive Group works with the Motability Scheme, which allows disabled people to use their government-funded mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair. The company notes that the scheme was set up in 1978 and has provided over four and a half million cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs. Taxis are also listed as a separate line of business, alongside WAVs for corporate and disabled customers.

Customer Feedback

The website presents a "5 Star WAV Reviews" section with testimonials from named customers. One describes the company as courteous, professional and always available to help; another praises the process from demonstration to order and delivery as first class; a third refers to repeat purchases over the years; and a fourth thanks the sales support team and a director for helping obtain rear belts for an older conversion so the vehicle could return to the road quickly. These are individual accounts rather than an aggregate rating.