The third row seat also comes with a new convenience center behind the third row, providing compartments to carry a variety of parcels and groceries as well as to provide covered storage for smaller valuable items such as cameras, purses and video cameras.
In addition, Schaafsma says, the minivans will also receive new second row captain's chairs that fold flat to offer even more cargo options when carrying small stackable items or long items. "Recognizing the customer demand within the market segment, GM has also designed easier to use recline and fold-flat levers, and new cupholders that have been built into the captain's chairs."
Other interior feature upgrades will include a new, in-dash, 6-disc CD player, integrated cupholders in the instrument panel, and a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit that's better able to handle the volume of the minivans.
GM's minivans will get their second-generation entertainment package in 2001, in the Chevy Venture Warner Bros. Edition, the Pontiac Montana Vision, and the Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere.
The new system features a flip-down LED video screen that is not only the largest in the industry at 172 mm, says Schaafsma, "but also provides arguably the sharpest picture easily viewed by occupants in all second and third row seating positions. And, very important to families with young children, the video screen folds up into the ceiling allowing easy pass-through from the front seats."