Automobility
Automobility is an Australian wheelchair accessible vehicle converter, modifying Kia, Volkswagen, and Hyundai vehicles into customized WAVs for individual wheelchair users, families, and commercial fleet operators across Australia through a nationwide service network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersMontrose, Australia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Automobility does
Automobility is an Australian wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) conversion company, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Montrose (Victoria), with additional offices in New South Wales and Queensland. The company modifies standard production vehicles from three OEM platforms — Kia Carnival KA4, Volkswagen (including the Caddy), and Hyundai Staria — into wheelchair accessible vehicles with four distinct wheelchair positioning configurations: drive-from-wheelchair, front passenger, row 2 (their most popular option, accommodating up to six occupants plus one wheelchair user), and row 3. Technical capabilities include automated entry and exit systems, specialized docking stations, adaptive driving controls, comprehensive safety testing, and in-house fabrication of replacement suspension and structural parts.
The company operates a hybrid direct-to-consumer and enterprise go-to-market model. The DTC channel targets individual wheelchair users and their families (segmented into personas: families with children, spouses/partners, ageing parent caregivers, and active adults) through a mobile showroom, 360-degree virtual tours, live video consultations, and a 24-hour phone support line. The enterprise channel targets community groups, aged care facilities, taxi operators, and private hire companies, supported by rental fleet partnerships with Hertz and Europcar and integration with NDIS-registered providers for government funding pathways. Revenue is generated through one-time vehicle conversions (hardware sales), ongoing service and repair contracts through the national service centre network, and sale of pre-converted inventory.
Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, varying by vehicle model, conversion type, and individual accessibility requirements. NDIS plan funding may apply for eligible customers. The company maintains authorized converter status with Kia, Volkswagen, and Hyundai, and partners with Pedders for specialized suspension components. Charitable and referral relationships include Fight MND and Blue Badge Insurance. The company is privately held, has 11-50 employees, and has not disclosed revenue, funding, or ownership structure in available sources.
Automobility firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Automobility
- Legal name
- Automobility
- Website
- https://automobility.com.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Automobility is an Australian wheelchair accessible vehicle converter, modifying Kia, Volkswagen, and Hyundai vehicles into customized WAVs for individual wheelchair users, families, and commercial fleet operators across Australia through a nationwide service network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Automobility industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Conversions
- NAICS
- Motor Vehicle Seating and Interior Trim Manufacturing (336360)
- SIC
- Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714), Services-Automotive Repair, Services & Parking (7500)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Paratransit & NEMT Vehicle Upfitting / Accessibility Equipment Providers (TLAFAKAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Mobility Aids (Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walkers, Canes) (HLAHAMAA), Paratransit / Accessible Ride-Hailing (WAV & Special Assistance) (THADADAH)
Keywords
Where Automobility is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Montrose
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices3 records
Markets served
Automobility business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Vehicle Conversions: Core revenue stream from converting standard vehicles (Kia Carnival, Volkswagen Caddy, Hyundai Staria) into wheelchair accessible vehicles. Customers include individuals funding privately, through NDIS plans, or through other disability funding schemes.
- Service and Repair: Ongoing revenue from maintenance, repairs, and servicing of converted vehicles through their national service centre network.
- Vehicles for Sale: Sale of pre-converted wheelchair accessible vehicles from their existing inventory.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Quote-based pricing for custom conversions |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Automobility product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Automobility converts standard vehicles, including the Kia Carnival KA4, Volkswagen Caddy and other VW models, and Hyundai Staria, into wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) for individuals with disabilities and commercial operators. The company offers multiple wheelchair positioning options (drive-from-wheelchair, front passenger, row 2, and row 3) tailored to each customer's specific needs, and supports the converted vehicles through a nationwide service and repair network with 24-hour phone support.
Product overview
Automobility is a vehicle conversion company offering a portfolio of wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) conversions. The core offering consists of conversion products based on three vehicle platforms: Kia Carnival KA4, Volkswagen (Caddy and other models), and Hyundai Staria. Each base vehicle can be converted with different wheelchair positioning options including drive-from-wheelchair, front passenger, row 2, and row 3 configurations. Solutions are tailored by user need category (Child, Spouse, Ageing Parent, Active Adult, Community & Commercial), with supporting resources including a video library and national service network.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Kia Carnival KA4 WAV Conversion Authorized wheelchair accessible vehicle conversion built on the Kia Carnival KA4, featuring automated entry systems, multiple wheelchair positioning options, and safety-tested conversion. Targeted at individuals/families and commercial fleet buyers seeking a large people-mover WAV.
- Volkswagen Caddy Wheelchair Accessible Conversion Compact wheelchair accessible vehicle conversion based on the Volkswagen Caddy platform with side-entry configuration, intended for wheelchair users needing a smaller-footprint accessible vehicle.
- Volkswagen WAV Conversions Authorized wheelchair accessible vehicle conversions built on Volkswagen platforms (beyond the Caddy), offering side-entry and automated entry options for individual and commercial buyers.
- Hyundai Staria Wheelchair Access Vehicle Conversion Authorized wheelchair accessible vehicle conversion built on the Hyundai Staria platform, providing a modern-design WAV with accessible entry for wheelchair users.
- Drive from Wheelchair Conversion Conversion configuration that allows a wheelchair user to drive the vehicle directly from their wheelchair using specialized docking stations and adaptive driving controls, providing maximum independence.
- Front Passenger Wheelchair Conversion Conversion configuration that positions the wheelchair user in the front passenger seat for closer proximity to the driver and improved communication/visibility.
- Row 2 Wheelchair Conversion Conversion configuration positioning the wheelchair in the second row of the vehicle, accommodating up to 6 occupants plus 1 wheelchair user; described as Automobility's most popular conversion type.
- Row 3 Wheelchair Conversion Conversion configuration positioning the wheelchair in the third row of the vehicle, offering a flexible option suited to less frequent wheelchair users.
- Pre-Converted Vehicles for Sale Inventory of pre-converted wheelchair accessible vehicles available for immediate purchase from Automobility, offering ready-made WAVs to customers who do not want to wait for a custom build.
- Service and Repair for Converted Vehicles Ongoing maintenance, repair, and servicing of converted wheelchair accessible vehicles delivered through Automobility's nationwide service centre network, including 24-hour phone support and custom fabrication of replacement parts.
Quantifiable outcome
- Vehicles maintaining functionality for 10+ years with 157,000+ km demonstrating long-term durability
Companies that use Automobility
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Automobility technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Automobility partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- KiacoreKia is a core technology and integration partner for Automobility's wheelchair accessible vehicle conversions. Automobility performs authorized WAV conversions on Kia vehicles, particularly the Kia Carnival KA4 model which is highlighted as a flagship product on their website.
- VolkswagencoreVolkswagen is a core technology partner for Automobility, providing vehicles for conversion including the VW Caddy and other VW models. Automobility performs authorized WAV conversions on Volkswagen vehicles.
- HyundaicoreHyundai is a core technology partner for Automobility's wheelchair accessible vehicle conversions, with Automobility performing authorized conversions on the Hyundai Staria model.
- HertzmajorHertz is a major channel partner distributing Automobility's wheelchair accessible vehicles through their rental fleet. Automobility has created a Hertz Quick Start Guide video and the partnership enables accessible vehicle rental availability across Australia.
- EuropcarmajorEuropcar is a channel partner distributing Automobility's wheelchair accessible vehicles through their rental fleet, increasing accessible vehicle availability for travellers across Australia.
- NDIScoreNDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is a core partnership for Automobility, as many customers fund their wheelchair accessible vehicle purchases through NDIS plans. Automobility works with NDIS registered providers to support customers in accessing funding for conversions.
- Fight MNDminorFight MND (Fight Motor Neurone Disease) is a charitable partner with Automobility, likely through cause marketing or sponsorship initiatives supporting motor neurone disease awareness.
- Blue BadgeminorBlue Badge is a marketing or referral partner, likely related to the Australian Blue Badge parking scheme for people with disabilities.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Automobility competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Allied Mobility: UK-based WAV converter and rental provider offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles for private purchase, Motability (UK disability funding scheme, like NDIS), and rental channels. Directly comparable business model including conversion-plus-fleet-plus-rental reach.
- BraunAbility: World's largest wheelchair-accessible vehicle converter, manufacturing a full range of WAVs and adaptive driving solutions for individuals, families, and commercial fleets. Directly comparable to Automobility in conversion type, customer base, and end markets, with significantly larger scale and global reach.
- AMF-Bruns: European leader in wheelchair-accessible vehicle conversions and mobility solutions, working across multiple OEM platforms and serving both individual and commercial/paratransit customers. Directly comparable conversion capability with additional European scale and regulatory footprint.
- Vantage Mobility International: US-based WAV manufacturer and converter producing accessible minivans and full-size vans for personal, commercial, and paratransit use. Operates a directly comparable conversion model to Automobility across multiple OEM platforms and serves similar end customers (individual drivers, fleets, rental partners).
- Rollx Vans: North American wheelchair-accessible vehicle converter specializing in minivan and full-size van conversions for individual and family customers. Comparable in conversion approach, product breadth across wheelchair positions, and integration with mobility funding sources analogous to NDIS.
- Auto Adapt (Trev-Tech Ltd / Autoadapt): European adaptive mobility solutions provider with WAV conversions, lifts, and adaptive driving controls across multiple OEM platforms. Comparable to Automobility in conversion scope and use of multiple base vehicle brands.
- Freedom Motors USA: Specialty WAV converter in North America offering side- and rear-entry wheelchair-accessible conversions across multiple minivan platforms. Directly comparable conversion product to Automobility's side-entry and Row 2/3 configurations.
Regional players
- Conquest Mobility (Australia): Australia-based mobility vehicle conversions and wheelchair-accessible vehicle specialist operating in the same domestic market as Automobility. Closest geographic direct competitor in the Australian WAV segment.
- Kiwi Auto Conversions / Enable Mobility (NZ): New Zealand-based WAV and disability mobility providers that serve the adjacent trans-Tasman accessibility market. Relevant as the most logical next-geography expansion target for Automobility given similar regulatory environments and donor-vehicle platforms.
Others
- Volkswagen Caddy / Multivan Mobility Programs: OEM-side accessibility/mobility programs offered by Volkswagen Australia in partnership with certified converters. Relevant partner and adjacent ecosystem player rather than a pure competitor, but defines the conversion template Automobility works within.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Automobility social profiles
Digital presenceAutomobility financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Automobility leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Automobility funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Automobility M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Automobility
What does Automobility do?
Automobility converts standard vehicles, including the Kia Carnival KA4, Volkswagen Caddy and other VW models, and Hyundai Staria, into wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) for individuals with disabilities and commercial operators. The company offers multiple wheelchair positioning options (drive-from-wheelchair, front passenger, row 2, and row 3) tailored to each customer's specific needs, and supports the converted vehicles through a nationwide service and repair network with 24-hour phone support.
Is Automobility a public or private company?
Automobility is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Automobility founded?
Automobility was founded in 2001. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Automobility based?
Automobility is headquartered in Montrose, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Automobility make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Vehicle Conversions are the primary driver. The others are service and Repair and vehicles for Sale.
Who are Automobility's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Allied Mobility, BraunAbility, AMF-Bruns, Vantage Mobility International, Rollx Vans, Auto Adapt (Trev-Tech Ltd / Autoadapt) and Freedom Motors USA. Regional players are Conquest Mobility (Australia) and Kiwi Auto Conversions / Enable Mobility (NZ). Volkswagen Caddy / Multivan Mobility Programs is listed as an others.
Does Automobility have an API?
No public API is recorded for Automobility.
What industry is Automobility in?
Automobility's product category is Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Conversions. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAFAKAL, Paratransit & NEMT Vehicle Upfitting / Accessibility Equipment Providers, with a secondary code of HLAHAMAA, Mobility Aids (Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walkers, Canes). Its NAICS code is 336360 and its SIC code is 3714.