DETROIT -

Vehicle Production Group, which designs, manufactures, markets and distributes models for wheelchair accessibility, selected Ally Financial Monday as the preferred financing provider in the U.S.

Officials explained Ally will offer wholesale financing, floor plan insurance and remarketing services for VPG dealers, as well as retail financing for their customers.

VPG introduced the MV-1 mobility vehicle last September. The company contends it is the first factory-built mobility vehicle that is compliant with American Disabilities Act guidelines, designed and engineered for efficient wheelchair accessibility.

The MV-1 is assembled by AM General in Mishawaka, Ind., and is offered in several models, including a factory-direct compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling system.

"Ally has the breadth of financing products and depth of industry experience that will benefit our company and its customers," stated Fred Drasner, chief executive officer and chairman of VPG.

"We selected Ally because it demonstrated the ability to work with manufacturers in tailoring programs to support sales, while servicing customer accounts with world-class quality," Drasner continued.

"Our mission is to help people with disabilities and their caregivers with a built-from-the-ground-up transportation solution," he went on to say. "We sought a national company that can competitively finance our new, unique mobility vehicle — and found that ally in Ally Financial."

VPG and Ally entered into a multi-year agreement for the preferred provider financing relationship.

Ally vice president of alliance sales Mark Manzo added. "We are proud to add the Vehicle Production Group to our list of preferred clients. Our underwriting team stands ready to support MV-1 sales.

"The relationship with VPG will enable us to serve the growing population in need of mobility vehicles," Manzo insisted.

"According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 3.3 million people in the U.S. age 15 years and older used a wheelchair in 2010.

In the U.S., Ally Financial is currently the preferred financing provider for General Motors, Chrysler, Fiat, Maserati and Saab vehicles and Thor Industries RVs. The company finances both new and used vehicles, as well as offering insurance products and remarketing services for auto and RV dealers.