It’s been another incredible week here at AMS Auto, and we’re excited to share the latest updates from our adaptive driving installation team. This week brought us face-to-face with diverse challenges across Chicagoland – from helping stroke recovery patients regain their independence to ensuring commercial fleets stay operational.
We completed several complex adaptive driving equipment installations, performed critical maintenance for our commercial NEMT partner’s handicap accessible fleet, celebrated multiple handicap van sales, and welcomed fresh inventory to our showroom.
Installation #1: Electronic Left Foot Accelerator
Vehicle: 2025 Genesis GV70
Customer Location: Northbrook, IL
Challenge: Our customer is courageously adapting to life after stroke recovery, including regaining driving independence.
Installation Details:
- Equipment: Veigel Electronic Left Foot Accelerator
- Installation Time: One day
- Special Considerations: Customer requested permanent electronic installation over removable mechanical floor-mounted option for enhanced convenience
Customer Outcome: Freedom restored! Customer can now seamlessly share the vehicle with family members without the hassle of installing and removing mechanical equipment for each drive.
Installation #2: Instructor’s Brake System
Vehicle: 2019 Honda Civic
Customer Location: Crystal Lake, IL
Challenge: Parents with new teen drivers needed peace of mind and emergency braking control from the passenger seat.
Installation Details:
- Equipment: Safedrive Instructor’s Brake
- Installation Time: 4 hours
- Special Considerations: Precision drilling through firewall and floor required extreme caution due to modern vehicles’ complex electronic modules and wiring harnesses beneath carpeting
Customer Outcome: Driver’s Ed, here we come! Parents now have the confidence and control needed for safe teen driving instruction.
Installation #3: Complete Wheelchair Accessibility System
Vehicle: 2021 Toyota Sienna VMI Handicap Van
Customer Location: Mokena, IL
Challenge: Customer purchasing new handicap van required comprehensive hand controls and wheelchair docking system for independent driving.
Installation Details:
- Equipment:
- Left Hand Electronic Push/Rock Veigel eConnect Hand Control
- Q’Straint Driver Side Docking System with Emergency Release
- Q’Straint Passenger Side Docking System
- Installation Time: Two days
- Special Considerations: Customer’s previous van required costly low-effort steering modification. The new Sienna’s factory power steering eliminated this expensive upgrade need.
Customer Outcome: Back on the road in premium style! Customer’s 2021 Toyota Sienna with VMI Northstar side entry power in-floor ramp conversion offers the market’s only AWD capability in a side-entry mobility vehicle.
Installation #4: Commercial Fleet Ramp Replacement
Vehicle: 2023 Toyota Sienna Side Entry Mobility Conversion
Customer Location: Chicago, IL
Challenge: Commercial NEMT fleet operator required rapid, reliable service to minimize downtime in their busy transportation schedule.
Installation Details:
- Equipment: Replacement side entry ramp
- Installation Time: One day
- Special Considerations: Heavy commercial usage with rotating drivers demands robust equipment and preventive maintenance protocols
Customer Outcome: New partnership established! We’re providing ongoing fleet education on proper equipment maintenance and operator training to prevent damage and extend equipment life.
Have questions about adaptive driving solutions for your specific needs? We’d love to help you explore your options and find the perfect solution. Contact AMS Auto today – your journey to driving independence starts here.
