In an effort to answer the age old question “Are we there yet,” Ford has introduced a new concept van called the Transit Connect Family One with a full range of family-friendly amenities, including a dry erase white board on each of the rear side doors. Besides being able to scribble and doodle during a long road trip, kids in the second row can watch cartoons or play educational games on interactive video screens. Another cool feature is the built-in radio frequency identification technology (RFID). The van’s internal computer can keep track of your daily schedule, and if you attach RFID tags to important items like an instrument or a backpack, the vehicle can actually check if your child has everything he/she needs for band practice, school, or any other event.
Overall, it looks like a pretty interesting van, although the word “concept” indicates we won’t be seeing it in any showrooms for awhile. As far as the rear door white board goes, I’m wondering how kids can write steadily in a moving vehicle. Nice idea nonetheless, and I’m sure families with younger children will take a good look at it when (or if) it comes out.
Posted by Taeho Lim
