Chrysler Releases New Calm Cabin Package for a More Sensory Experience
The original minivan automaker, Chrysler, has been known to provide variants of their popular nameplate, the Pacifica, to be a little more inclusive. At first release, the Chrysler Pacifica minivan was all about consumers with families that needed space and entertainment options for all the baggage and time well-spent that comes with family. Then, offering consumers who want to go green a little peace-offering, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (a plug-in hybrid minivan), was released. The Chrysler Voyager followed, a Pacifica with more accessibility options, like BraunAbility rear- and side-entry conversions, a wider entryway, and an enhanced ramp securement system. Continuing this trend of inclusivity, Chrysler just released its new Calm Cabin package that can transform any Pacifica into a minivan that’s more suitable for consumers that may need a more sensory-supported mobile experience.
“At Chrysler, we believe it’s no longer enough to be ‘aware’ of the millions of people living and thriving with autism, we must put acceptance into action…We’re proud to offer life-enriching opportunities for individuals with autism and their families with initiatives, such as our new Calm Cabin package, that bring a little harmony to people’s lives, whether they are on a long road trip or running a quick errand.” – Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand chief executive officer – Stellantis
Unlike the Chrysler Portal concept, where the Chrysler design team used speculation and stereotypes to design a minivan “for millennials”, the automaker actually did the research this time around. Working with the Autism Society of America, Chrysler put in the work and talked to real consumers with autistic and/or challenged children to learn how they can design a minivan that will help shape and enrich their lives on the road. Trying to avoid stereotypes here, but depending on where a child is on the Autism spectrum, they may be incredibly sensitive to physical touch (sensory stimulation), have trouble communicating or expressing themselves, or may be sensitive to loud sounds and unfamiliar environments. Chrysler met these behaviors halfway and implemented some interesting bits of technology to overcome the difficulties consumers with Autism or autistic children may face.
The Chrysler Calm Cabin Package was on display on a Chrysler Pacifica Limited at the 2023 New York International Auto Show. Said to be available this spring (2023), the Calm Cabin Package adds a Seat-back organizer, complete with adjustable straps, five front pockets, an interior clear pocket, and a black mesh pocket for storing devices, coloring books, entertainment materials, and other resources. Light and sound therapy are becoming very popular among the masses, helping to soothe consumers or even treat seasonal-depression (depression triggered by the lack of sunlight in the winter months). Chrysler added a rechargeable, cordless Bluetooth meditative light and sound therapy machine that features five LED color modes, four light therapy modes, a breathing coach, and 15 sound therapy modes.
Some other outstanding features include a comfortable seat belt sleeve made with soft-touch velvet, a comforting soft-touch travel pillow, and a seven-layer, 12-pound weighted sensory blanket. One feature we found neat was the touchscreen connectivity that comes with pictures consumers can use to communicate with others. With buttons such as “I want”, “Yes/No”, “Eat”, “Play”, and others, consumers with autistic children can understand the needs of their child more easily. To help accustom families to these new features of the Chrysler Calm Cabin Package, Chrysler will also begin dealer-network staff training designed to educate dealership employees about the unique needs of individuals and families in the autism community.
Want to learn more about the Chrysler Calm Cabin Package? Contact us at Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram and find out how you can order a new Chrysler Pacifica with the Calm Cabin Package.