Pressinformation

Date of Issue: 14 March, 2011

 

The Braun Corporation becomes part-owner of Autoadapt

The world’s largest group of companies in the vehicle adaptation industry for the disabled and elderly is formed

STENKULLEN, SWEDEN – 14 March 2011 – Privately-owned US company The Braun Corporation, world leader in wheelchair accessible vehicles, has acquired a substantial ownership position in the Swedish company Autoadapt from Bruno Independent Living Aids. Together, the three companies will offer the widest range of products on the world market for vehicle adaptations for the disabled and elderly.

Autoadapt will continue product development and plan to form more partnerships as a product supplier to the automotive mobility industry. The company is also expanding its business into new areas such as taxis, community transport and buses, which are growing markets for increased accessibility for people with limited mobility.

“This gives us an incredible opportunity to fulfill our dream of making it possible for anyone with limited mobility to live a more independent life”, explains Peter Wahlsten, Vice President of Autoadapt.

Autoadapt’s tradition of providing reliable, user-friendly and safe products is reflected in its commitment to evolving the industry. The solutions for vehicle adaptation include products for getting in and out of the car, both as a passenger and as a driver, bringing wheelchairs in the vehicle, driving and comfort solutions. The addition of products from the Braun Corporation will complement the existing product range and open up new markets in the field of commercial vehicles.

The goal is to increase the turnover in Autoadapt from SEK 160 million in 2010 to SEK 500 million in 2016. Peter Wahlsten continues, “The demand for our solutions continue to increase each year as more people become aware of the possibilities. We already need to employ more staff, both in our production unit as well as in other departments”.

In conjunction with Braun's investment in Autoadapt, Braun has merged its wholly owned European company, UVL Lift AB, into Autoadapt.

The majority of the shares in Autoadapt are now owned in equal parts by Bruno and the Braun Corporation. A smaller number of shares are held by Autoadapt’s founders, Peter Wahlsten and Håkan Sandberg, who will continue to run the company.

 

About Autoadapt
Autoadapt was founded in 1996 and has grown under the management of Peter Wahlsten and Håkan Sandberg to be Europe’s leading manufacturer of vehicle adaptation solutions for people with reduced or limited mobility. The company offers a wide range of award-winning, reliable and safety-tested solutions for adapting vehicles for increased accessibility. The Turny seat lift and Carony wheelchair system are innovative products that eliminate the need for lifting a person into or out of the vehicle, making the disabled and elderly user more independent. Based in Stenkullen, Sweden. For more information, please visit www.autoadapt.com.

About The Braun Corporation
The Braun Corporation is the largest manufacturer of wheelchair-accessible vans, ramps, and wheelchair lifts worldwide, enabling people with physical disabilities to regain mobility and lead active and independent lives. The company was founded in 1972 by Ralph Braun, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at a young age and was unable to walk by the age of 15. The company offers the most diverse line of vehicle platforms in the industry. Based in Indiana, U.S.A. For more information, please visit www.braunability.com.

About Bruno Independent Living Aids
Bruno Independent Living Aids is a leading global manufacturer of accessibility products designed to enhance the lives of those challenged by limited mobility. Since its founding in 1984 by Michael R. Bruno, the company has created the market for vehicle lifts – products that lift and stow wheelchairs and scooters into or on any kind of automotive vehicle. In the home accessibility industry, Bruno offers an array of stairlifts and vertical platform lifts. Based in Wisconsin, U.S.A. For more information, please visit www.bruno.com.

Contact Information Autoadapt:
Peter Wahlsten
Vice President Marketing & Sales
Tel: +46-302 254 54
E-mail: peter.wahlsten@autoadapt.se

 

For more information about Autoadapt solutions, please visit www.autoadapt.co.uk