Former ZO Motors CEO Brings Extensive Experience Scaling Automotive Operations and Driving Growth in Global Markets

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Freedom Motors USA, the undisputed leader in rear-entry wheelchair-accessible SUVs, pickup trucks and vans, today announced the appointment of Joost de Vries as chief executive officer. With customers in all 50 states, the nearly 40-year-old, family-owned Michigan manufacturer has built a nationwide reputation for quality and reliability. de Vries’s appointment marks a new phase of growth for the company.

de Vries joins Freedom Motors USA from ZO Motors USA, where he served as CEO and led the startup battery-electric commercial-vehicle manufacturer from greenfield to production and sales. He has previously held senior positions at DeLorean, Karma Automotive, Tesla, and various divisions of AB Volvo and is recognized for his track record in scaling automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) operations and mobility platforms in global markets.

“For nearly 40 years, Freedom Motors has grown by giving wheelchair users more choices and building vehicles families can depend on,” said Sieto Van Dillen, owner and president of Freedom Motors USA. “Joost’s experience launching vehicles and scaling automotive operations will help us bring those choices to more customers.”

Hiring de Vries marks an important strategic milestone as the nearly 40-year-old company enters its next phase of growth. The company believes consumers deserve choices beyond full-size side-entry wheelchair vans, with vehicles that give them the freedom to go anywhere and park anywhere. It already offers rear-entry wheelchair-accessible SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, hybrid models and custom solutions, with more planned in the coming years.

“Our product portfolio and upcoming vehicle launches give Freedom Motors a strong foundation to expand our Michigan manufacturing footprint, enter export markets and establish consumer facing showrooms in the US, bringing our products closer to the customers we serve,” according to de Vries. “For nearly 40 years, the Michigan team has established Freedom Motors as a leader in innovation and quality, serving customers with unique mobility needs. I’m excited to join the company at this pivotal moment in its history and help build on that legacy.”

About Freedom Motors USA
The family-owned company imported the very first rear-entry wheelchair accessible vehicle from the Netherlands in 1985, and soon after began developing their own lowered-floor, efficient, wheelchair accessible minivans. In 1987 the company established its headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan with the belief that customers should be able to go anywhere and park wherever they like. Rear-entry SUVs, pick-ups and vans provide unparallelled access, reliability and safety. For more information on Freedom Motors, www.freedommotors.com.

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SOURCE Freedom Motors USA