“SpongeBob” Rides in Chryslers
March 29, 2007

Chrysler Group and Sirius Satellite Radio announced today that Chrysler will be the first and only auto manufacturer to offer Sirius Backseat TV in its vehicle lineup in the 2008 model year.

The feature debuts on 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. It will also be available on the 2008 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Chrysler sees innovative technology as a way to stand out from the crowd, generally, and in minivans, specifically.

Three channels of family TV programming -- from Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon -- will be delivered directly to the vehicle. Rear-seat passengers will be able to watch shows such as Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana and Cartoon Network’s Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends.

Sirius Backseat TV is available for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $470, which includes the first year of service when packaged with Chrysler Group’s Rear-Seat Entertainment System and Sirius Satellite Radio. After the first year, SIrius Backseat TV is available for $7 per month when packaged with Sirius Satellite Radio ($12.95 per month).

Sirius Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming is displayed on the vehicle’s second- and/or third-row video screens, and channel name, program title and rating will be broadcast and displayed on the screen(s). Rear-seat passengers can watch Sirius Backseat TV while front-seat occupants listen to Sirius Satellite Radio. The system can be operated from either the rear-seat entertainment unit or the radio head unit. When the vehicle is in park, programming can be displayed on the MyGIG screen for front-seat viewing.

In redesigning its critically important minivans for the 2008 model year, Chrysler opted to offer every feature and technology available on every one of its competitors’ models and add its own as well. Among the features on the new minivans is the “Swivel ‘n Go” seating, which allows second-row passengers to swivel backward to join companions around a table in the rear seat. Another first is one-touch power-folding third-row seating that doesn’t require the user to hold the button while the seats are folding. Load ‘n Go is a slide-out cargo load floor.

The minivans also can be ordered with MyGig Infotainment System, which has been so popular on other Chrysler models that customers have to wait for their vehicles equipped with it and Chrysler is running flat out to install them. Also available on the minivans are the heated/cooled cupholders and YES Essentials cloth seats, which limit stains, found in other Chrysler models. A removable/rechargeable cargo light, like one introduced in the Dodge Caliber, is available.

The minivans also offer a long list of safety features including: side curtain airbags; Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control and brake assist; a rear backup camera; a rearview interior conversation mirror; and an integrated child safety seat.

Posted by Michelle Krebs at 8:04 AM under Chrysler , News , Technology | Comments (0) | digg this | Seed Newsvine