"There are several safety benefits to using our entertainment system," says James Holden, the top marketing guy of DaimlerChrysler. "Customers may have the video cassette player mounted between second row quad seats where children may remain buckled when changing tapes. If customers choose to have the console mounted between front row seats, buckled-in adults will have control over changing tapes. We are also including a remote control with our system for convenience and to further discourage unbuckled movement within the cabin."
An auxiliary input in the console accommodates a video camera, CD player and most popular home video game players, including Nintendo 64 and Sony PlayStation. It will probably matter to lots of people that DaimlerChrysler's screen is noticeably larger (about 2.4 cm) than those of its competitors.
Wireless headphones provide separate audio channels for rear-seat passengers who may enjoy a video or game, while front-seat passengers listen to the vehicle's sound system.
The entertainment system may also be heard by all on-board through the videovan's main sound system.
DaimlerChrysler's entertainment system goes on sale in November of this year. While the US has already announced an MSRP manufacturer's suggested retail price is $1,350 plus installation, DaimlerChrysler Canada is still not able to say how much it will be in this country.
Whatever the cost, however, the system will be covered in the new vehicle's standard three year/60,000 km warranty.