Chrysler and Dodge to Offer DVD Entertainment Systems in 2002 Minivans

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 7 The company that invented the
minivan nearly 20 years ago will offer DVD Rear Seat Video(R) entertainment
systems in its 2002 model year minivans including Chrysler Voyager, Chrysler
Town & Country, Dodge Caravan and Dodge Grand Caravan.
    "One of the key ingredients to the minivan success formula is selection,"
said Frank J. Ewasyshyn, Senior Vice President, Advance Manufacturing
Engineering and General Manager of Minivan Operations, DaimlerChrysler
Corporation.  "Between Chrysler and Dodge, we offer 17 minivan models from
which to choose, the greatest selection of minivans in the marketplace.  Now
we're increasing our selection of entertainment system offerings by adding DVD
to the menu."
    DVD Rear Seat Video entertainment systems will be offered through Mopar,
Chrysler Group's original equipment replacement parts division.  The system is
integrated in-dash and plays video DVDs and audio CDs.  Having the DVD in-dash
eliminates the need for a separate video cassette player which means even more
space within the cabin.  In addition, the new system leaves adults in charge
of changing discs which discourages backseat passengers and children from
unbuckled movement within the cabin.  A remote transmitter is also included
for convenience and to further discourage unbuckled passenger movement.
    For even more entertainment options, an auxiliary input is conveniently
integrated into the middle row side window trim panel and accommodates a video
camera, portable CD player and most popular home video game players including
Nintendo 64(R) and Sony PlayStation(R).
    The DVD entertainment system will go on sale in September of this year and
will be available on all 2002 model year Chrysler and Dodge minivans.  The
manufacturer's suggested retail price is $1,650 plus installation
(approximately $150 for installation).  In addition, the system will be
covered in the new vehicle's three year/36,000 mile warranty.  The video
cassette player that is currently offered will continue to be available with a
manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,400 plus installation.
    The new DVD entertainment system option will also be available to
customers who purchased a 2001 model year Chrysler Voyager, Chrysler Town &
Country, Dodge Caravan or Dodge Grand Caravan.  The system will be covered
under the three year/36,000 mile warranty.  Customers who are interested in
having the system installed should visit their local Chrysler or Dodge dealer
for more details in September.
    The minivan market remains vibrant.  For the 2000 calendar year, the
entire minivan segment climbed to an all-time high of 1.6 million sales in
North America.  Even with more than 15 competitive nameplates from which to
choose, Chrysler and Dodge continue to command more than 35 percent of the
minivan segment with North American sales of 574,185 units in calendar year
2000.
    In terms of total minivans sold, the Chrysler Group continues to outsell
its nearest rivals, General Motors and Ford, by a nearly two-to-one margin,
and Honda by nearly four-to-one.
    Since 1983, the Chrysler Group has sold more than 9 million minivans
worldwide, introduced 50 minivan-first features, and earned more than 150
awards industry-wide.  Chrysler Voyager, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge
Caravan and Dodge Grand Caravan are manufactured in St. Louis, Missouri;
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; and Graz, Austria.