What vehicle configurations are available?
Not only are there a huge variety of models available, but many are available in multiple configurations. Anything from rotating front seats to allow elderly or otherwise infirm passengers to have easier access, to powered retractable rear slopes for wheelchair access. The only thing that seems less popular in Japan are vehicles that are adapted for the disabled user herself to drive.
To get an idea of just some of the configurations that are available, take a look at these:
Rotating lifter rear seat
Rotating lifter front seat
Rear-loading powered wheelchair ramp
Side-loading wheelchair
Since there are such a range of options, we strongly advise you to research both the needs of your customers and the regulations for disabled vehicles in your country before you buy one.
You need to be careful, as you may discover that the underlying vehicle itself is legal to import and register for road use in your country, but that the equipment for the disabled person that is installed in the car does not meet other regulations for disabled vehicles. Always make sure you know what you are buying before you buy it.
Finding vehicles for disabled people in Japan's Car Auctions
It may not sound very pleasant or politically correct in English, but cars for disabled people usually have the words “Well Cab” or “Wellfare” in their model names. So, the best way to track them down is to use the "Text Search# box in our online Japanese car auction search system.
These two keyword phrases are particularly effective -- “well cab” and “wellfare”. To pick up any stragglers, try “wel” and “welfare” as well. Just remember that you need to search using each phrase, one at a time.
If the models or configurations you are after are not coming up regularly in the auctions, we can always see whether they are available at dealers in Japan. Sourcing cars from dealers is very similar to buying them from the auctions and the structure of our fees and charges is also the same.
We find that the most successful importers really understand how it all works - from the auction to the ship and beyond. Don't get left behind!
