Customer Service - sponsored by W.C. Duke Associates, Inc.

New tool helps pinpoint best GM vehicles to adapt

By Michelle Krebs, iCan News Service contributor

General Motors and iCan! are pleased to launch an Internet-based tool that guides people with disabilities, seniors and caregivers through a process to identify new GM vehicles best suited to their needs.

The GM Mobility Advisor is available on both the gmmobility.com and ican.com and can be accessed directly at www.gmmobilityadvisor.com. A person can access the application from home, or consumers can go through the Web site with their dealer, upfitter or rehabilitation specialist.

Based on data developed by the GM Mobility Engineering Center, XFI Corp., a Bethesda, Md., software company, developed the technical engine that powers the GM Mobility Advisor as well as GM's Auto Choice Advisor, which helps consumers narrow their vehicle choices. The two operate similarly, although the GM Mobility Advisor adds specific needs to general preferences, said Rick Carten, XFI vice president of application development.

"The first part of GM Mobility Advisor is a guided experience to determine the individual's capabilities and the equipment requirements," says Carten.

The tool asks the person a succession of questions, such as do they drive themselves, do they travel independently, what equipment (walkers, wheelchairs) do they use, and do they transfer in and out of a vehicle. Based on the consumer's responses, GM Mobility Advisor searches its database of 250 GM vehicles down to the trim level and scores those vehicles to determine appropriate choices for the person to consider. The computer screen shows as many as 10 vehicles at a time.

"The second part of the tool re-sorts and reorganizes those potential vehicles based on your personal preferences," says Carten.

It asks such questions as how much money a person wants to spend and what kind of engine is desired in terms of horsepower and fuel economy. It further quizzes the person regarding specialty preferences, such as the kind of door handles, and desired features, including GM's OnStar communications system, seat upholstery, adjustable pedals and power seats and trunks. Based on those responses, the system narrows the choices, which again appear on the computer screen in lists of 10.

The site also offers suggestions for adaptive equipment relevant to the specific vehicle and the person's equipment and provides suggestions for loading and unloading different types of equipment into specific vehicles.

To try the GM Mobility Advisor, please visit: http://ican.gmmobilityadvisor.com.