Brotherwood Automobility

What Brotherwood Automobility does

Brotherwood Automobility Limited is a UK private limited company founded in 1985 and headquartered in Sherborne, Dorset, specializing in the design, manufacture, and sale of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs). The company engineers flat-level lowered-floor conversions on multiple OEM platforms (Ford Tourneo Connect/Custom, Volkswagen Caddy, Mercedes-Benz V-Class/Vito Tourer, Toyota Proace Verso, and Vauxhall Vivaro e-Life), enabling wheelchair users to travel centrally between rear passenger seats without transferring from their chair. Core proprietary technology includes the patented PAWRS (Power Assisted Wheelchair Restraint System) combining winch loading up to 250kg with four-point restraint, the STORQ self-tensioning restraint system, and a counterbalanced rear access ramp. The company holds ISO 9001, European Type Approval, and PAS-2012 safety accreditations, and is a UTAC-registered firm and WAVCA member.

The business operates a direct-to-consumer go-to-market model with free nationwide UK home demonstrations, factory showroom visits, a mobile service engineer network, and approved supplier status to the Motability scheme. Revenue streams span new WAV sales (one-time purchase, from £30,000), Motability lease arrangements, short- and long-term WAV hire, approved used vehicle sales, and after-sales service including annual safety checks, MOT testing, and spare parts. Customer segments are horizontal: primary buyers are individual wheelchair users and their families, with healthcare professionals (Occupational Therapists, Case Managers) serving as referral influencers through CPD-certified training. Sub-brands include Morelife (VW Caddy), Klastar (Mercedes V-Class, including a Senzati luxury bespoke version), C'arete (Ford Tourneo Connect), and Tigon (Toyota Proace). The company has supplied 5,000+ vehicles over its 40-year history, is founder-controlled (John Daniel serves as Managing Director; founder Rod is semi-retired), and operates with 101-250 employees.

Name

Brotherwood Automobility

Legal name

Brotherwood Automobility Limited

Website

https://brotherwood.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Brotherwood Automobility is a UK wheelchair accessible vehicle specialist founded in 1985, designing and manufacturing lowered-floor WAV conversions on Ford, VW, Mercedes, Toyota, and Vauxhall platforms for individual wheelchair users and their families via direct sales and the Motability scheme.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing (33621), Truck, Utility Trailer, and RV (Recreational Vehicle) Rental and Leasing (53212), Automotive Equipment Rental and Leasing (5321)

SIC

Truck & Bus Bodies (3713), Services-Auto Rental & Leasing (No Drivers) (7510)

akta.pro primary industry

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Bodies & Towables Manufacturing (IMACAGAJ)

Keywords

• Wheelchair accessible vehicles
• Lowered floor conversions
• Mobility vehicle adaptations
• Accessible transport solutions
• Motability WAV leasing

Headquarters

HQ city

Sherborne

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. WAV Sales: Sale of new and used wheelchair accessible vehicles. Includes conversions on Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Vauxhall, Peugeot, and Toyota platforms. Vehicles available for purchase with VAT exemption for eligible disabled buyers.
2. Vehicle Conversions: Conversion of base vehicles into wheelchair accessible vehicles with lowered floor, ramps, restraint systems, and accessibility features.
3. Motability Scheme: Partnership with Motability allowing customers to exchange disability benefits for fully maintained WAVs through leasing arrangements.
4. WAV Hire: Short and long-term wheelchair accessible vehicle rental with delivery and collection across the UK. Flexible hire options for holidays or temporary needs.
5. After-sales Service & Parts: Nationwide mobile service engineers providing annual WAV checks, conversion servicing, spare parts, MOTs, and vehicle maintenance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Brotherwood designs, engineers, manufactures, and sells new and used wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) by converting standard OEM vehicles (Ford, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Vauxhall) into lowered floor accessible transport. The company also delivers Motability scheme leasing, short and long-term WAV hire, annual conversion safety inspections, MOT testing, and spare parts.

Product overview

Brotherwood Automobility is the UK's Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) specialist, converting standard vehicles into accessible transport allowing wheelchair users to travel in their chairs without transferring. The product portfolio centres on lowered floor WAV conversions for vehicles from Ford (Tourneo Connect, Tourneo Custom), Volkswagen (Caddy Maxi Life / Morelife), Mercedes-Benz (V-Class/Klastar, Vito Tourer), Toyota (Proace Verso/Tigon), and Vauxhall (Vivaro e-Life fully electric). Each conversion is engineered around a flat, level lowered floor enabling central wheelchair positioning, a rear access ramp (manual counterbalanced or powered), and proprietary restraint systems (PAWRS powered loading/winch, STORQ self-tensioning). Key conversion brands include Morelife (VW Caddy), Tigon (Toyota Proace), and Klastar (Mercedes V-Class/Vito), with a Senzati partnership delivering ultra-luxury bespoke finishes. Brotherwood also offers Motability leasing, short/long-term WAV hire, annual conversion safety inspections, and MOT services. The company holds ISO 9001 certification, European Type Approval, and PAS-2012 safety accreditation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Brotherwood®: Main brand for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles featuring lowered floor conversions, PAWRS restraint systems, and STORQ self-tensioning restraints.
• Morelife
• Klastar
• C'arete
• Tigon

Products and services

• Ford Tourneo Connect WAV Conversion Compact lowered floor WAV conversion of the Ford Tourneo Connect seating 1 wheelchair user plus up to 4 passengers, with a short counterbalanced rear access ramp and PAWRS powered loading system. Available as new, used, and via Motability scheme leasing.
• Ford Tourneo Custom WAV Conversion All-new lowered floor WAV conversion of the Ford Tourneo Custom with class-leading 63-inch internal headroom and a wheelchair restraint system tested to 200kg, designed to accommodate larger and off-road powerchairs.
• Volkswagen Caddy (Morelife) WAV Conversion Compact VW Caddy conversion marketed under the Morelife sub-brand, with a flat level lowered floor enabling central wheelchair travel between two rear passenger seats, optional winch, and STORQ self-tensioning restraint; available through the Motability scheme.
• Mercedes-Benz V-Class (Klastar) WAV Conversion Premium lowered floor conversion of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class with up to 57 inches of internal headroom and 1+4-6 passenger capacity, featuring a powered rear ramp, PAWRS winch loading up to 250kg, and STORQ self-tensioning restraints.
• Mercedes-Benz V-Class Klastar by Senzati Luxury bespoke version of the Klastar V-Class conversion delivered in partnership with Senzati coachbuilders, adding sensory LED headlining, centre touchscreen console with Apple TV, DAB radio, Bluetooth, onboard 4G multi-user wi-fi, and full custom exterior colour options.
• Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer WAV Conversion Lowered floor WAV conversion of the Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer with flat level floor, electric tailgate, powered ramp, and winch system seating 1 wheelchair user plus 4-6 passengers.
• Toyota Proace Verso (Tigon) WAV Conversion Lowered floor WAV conversion of the Toyota Proace Verso marketed under the Tigon sub-brand, with flat level floor and inclusive central travelling position for the wheelchair user.
• Vauxhall Vivaro e-Life Fully Electric WAV Conversion Fully electric lowered floor WAV conversion of the Vauxhall Vivaro e-Life, enabling zero-emission accessible transport for 1 wheelchair user plus 5-6 passengers.
• Motability Scheme WAV Leasing Approved Motability scheme leasing programme allowing eligible disabled individuals in receipt of DLA or PIP to exchange benefits for a fully maintained new Brotherwood WAV with comprehensive coverage.
• Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Hire Short and long-term WAV rental service with delivery and collection across the UK for holidays, temporary needs, and trial periods.
• Annual WAV Safety Checks and Conversion Maintenance Nationwide mobile service visits covering a 15-point conversion safety inspection including ramp grip tape, restraints, tailgate operation, PAWRS/ratchet operation, and ramp operation, plus conversion servicing, spare parts supply, and WAV repairs.
• MOT Testing for WAVs Class 4 MOT testing for wheelchair accessible vehicles at the Sherborne, Dorset facility, including inspection of wheelchair restraint anchorages and disabled persons belt systems under updated MOT regulations.
• Approved Used WAV Sales Fully refurbished pre-owned wheelchair accessible vehicles with genuine Brotherwood conversions, offered as a more affordable alternative to new WAV purchases.

Quantifiable outcome

• WAV restraint systems tested to 200kg for larger powerchairs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Motability SchemecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial approved supplier to the Motability scheme, enabling customers to exchange disability benefits (DLA/PIP) for fully maintained wheelchair accessible vehicles with comprehensive coverage.
• Volkswagen Commercial VehiclescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntegrated Partner status for WAV conversions on VW commercial vehicles including Caddy and Caddy Life models. VW approved converter with official partnership page listing.
• WAVCA (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Convertors Association)minorOthersIndustry trade association member representing WAV converters in the UK.
• SenzatiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialist Mercedes-Benz VIP coachbuilders partnership for bespoke customisations including sensory LED headlining, entertainment systems, and luxury conversions for the Klastar V-Class.
• Healthcare Professionals (OTs, Case Managers)coreOthersCPD-certified training, study days and workshops for Occupational Therapists and Case Managers to ensure accurate transport needs assessments.
• Ford Motor CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWAV conversions on Ford Tourneo Connect and Tourneo Custom platforms. £1,000 Additional Manufacturer Support on selected Ford models.
• Mercedes-BenzcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWAV conversions on V-Class and Vito Tourer platforms including flagship Klastar conversion. Luxury partnership with high specification conversions.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Auto Adapt (Automobility Solutions / Independence Mobility): Smaller UK WAV converter offering conversions on common platforms with nationwide fitting service. Competes with Brotherwood's lower-priced end of the market, especially through direct-to-consumer sales and local installers.
• Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) Ltd / Vista Mobility: UK WAV converter and Motability partner offering converted vehicles from multiple base platforms including Ford and Peugeot. Overlaps with Brotherwood in conversion engineering, used WAV resale, and MOT/servicing capability.
• Sirus Automotive: Sirus specialises in wheelchair accessible vehicles with included driving or attendant-controlled options, supplying to the Motability scheme and private buyers across the UK. The overlap with Brotherwood is strongest on adapted van conversions and customer referral networks through healthcare professionals.
• Gowrings Mobility: Gowrings Mobility is one of the UK's largest wheelchair accessible vehicle converters, offering lowered-floor WAVs across multiple base platforms, hire services, and Motability scheme supply. Headquartered in Newbury, it directly competes with Brotherwood across Ford/VW/Mercedes platforms, Motability, and short-term hire.
• Lewis Reed (WAV): Welsh-based UK WAV converter specialising in lowered-floor and drive-from-wheelchair conversions on Volkswagen, Ford and Peugeot platforms, with Motability scheme supply. Direct regional competitor with overlapping product line and customer acquisition approach.
• Allied Mobility: Allied Mobility is a major UK WAV converter and Motability scheme supplier, building accessible vehicles on Ford, Volkswagen, and Mercedes platforms with nationwide home demonstrations. Operates at similar scale to Brotherwood with overlapping sales channels and customer segments.

Broad incumbents

• BraunAbility: Global leader in wheelchair accessible vehicles and mobility solutions, headquartered in the US with European operations. Acts as a broad incumbent: supplies Turny Seat products to Brotherwood (technology supplier relationship) and competes indirectly in the larger European accessible mobility market.
• Rollx Vans: US-based lowered-floor WAV converter with full in-house manufacturing and a national sales/service network. A relevant comparable on the engineering and direct-to-customer sales model, although focused on the US market rather than UK.
• Vantage Mobility International (VMI): US-based manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vans with growing international presence through conversion partnerships. Provides an instructive comparable for conversion engineering scale, OEM relationships (Chrysler/Toyota), and aftermarket service economics.

Others

• Motability Operations: The not-for-profit organisation that runs the Motability leasing scheme, through which Brotherwood supplies a meaningful share of conversions. Not a competitor but a critical channel partner whose policy direction directly shapes Brotherwood's recurring volume.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BrotherwoodAuto
• Facebookfacebook.com/BrotherwoodAuto
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/brotherwood

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Brotherwood Automobility