Turin, 02 July 2024
Improving access to mobility for people with disabilities through dedicated solutions. This is the goal of Drivalia Lease France, a subsidiary of the Crédit Agricole Auto Bank specialising in long-term rentals, which has entered into a strategic partnership with NEWAV, which in turn offers rental solutions for people with disabilities, and Handynamic, one of France's leading companies specialising in the adaptation and retail of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV).
The agreement between the three companies aims to make mobility more inclusive mobility through Abiliz, the first leasing offer accessible to wheelchair users. The goal is to provide everyone with the same opportunities to drive a car, even if adapted, in line with the Crédit Agricole Group's strategy, which focuses on social responsibility and pays attention to needs in society.
The partnership was signed in the presence of Charlotte de Vilmorin and Pierre Folliot, co-founders of NEWAV, and Antoine Delbecque, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Handynamic, as well as Richard Bouligny, Deputy CEO of CA Personal Finance & Mobility, Giacomo Carelli, CEO of CA Auto Bank Group and Chairman of Drivalia, and Etienne Royol, CEO of CA Auto Bank France and Chairman of Drivalia France.
Through this agreement, Drivalia Lease France and NEWAV aim to provide comprehensive long-term leasing and rental solutions for vehicles – supplied by Handynamic – specifically adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. This initiative will initially be active in France, with the intention of extending it to other European countries in the future.
“People with reduced mobility need a car more than anyone else. For wheelchair users, their car is often the only accessible means of transport due to limited accessibility on public transport. However, vehicles suitable for people with disabilities are much more expensive, due to the wide range of modifications that need to be made. This partnership is a crucial step towards making adapted cars financially accessible,” stated Charlotte de Vilmorin, co-founder of NEWAV. “Through Abiliz, wheelchair users and their loved ones will finally gain access to leasing offers, just like everyone else!”
“At Drivalia Lease France, we’re thrilled to have created this major partnership with NEWAV and Handynamic, to offer mobility solutions accessible to all. This collaboration is aligned with the mission of the Crédit Agricole Group to promote cohesion and social inclusion,” added Denis Vitellaro, Country Manager of Drivalia Lease France. “By leveraging the strengths of each partner, we aim to make these specially adapted vehicles available to a broader audience, improving the quality of life for many.”