Volkswagen Launches Inclusive Driver Access Program for Disabled Drivers
Volkswagen, a company whose name translates to “people’s car,” is looking to become more people’s car with its Driver Access program. Aimed at making its vehicles drivable even for customers with physical disabilities, the initiative reimburses eligible drivers for modifications they make to their Volkswagen.
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Driver Access applies to buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned VWs. The automaker will reimburse customers for up to $1,000 of equipment installed within a year of purchase. Eligible modifications include lift equipment and carriers, pedal and steering-wheel extensions, reduced-effort braking systems and hand controls. With such a diverse range of modifications required, the program’s allowance may cover the equipment and installation completely or only put a dent in the overall cost; hand controls, for example, can cost thousands of dollars.
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To bring awareness to this initiative, Volkswagen signed Torsten Gross as its program ambassador. Gross, a marketing and advertising executive, has been quadriplegic since sustaining a spinal-cord injury at the age of 15; the injury left him with a degree of control over his arms. After a track day at Lime Rock Park in 2021, Gross took an interest in racing, and he has since raced cars that were modified with hand controls.
Gross also started a nonprofit called the Just Hands Foundation to share the experience of driving on track with other disabled drivers, which has already enjoyed the support of Pennzoil. His new association with Volkswagen brings him a Golf GTI in addition to opportunities for speaking at public events and industry meetings.
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