Chrysler Donating Customized Town & Country for National Mobility Awareness Month

SIMSBURY, CONN. (03/06/2012)(readMedia)-- While minivans typically evoke images of large families embarking on long road trips, they can also be quite useful for transporting those that are disabled and in wheelchairs. That is why Chrysler plans to donate a new 2012 Chrysler Town & Country to the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) in recognition of the first-ever National Mobility Awareness Month this May.

As a modified version of the Town & Country Touring model found at Chrysler dealerships, the donated minivan will include a variety of features that enhance a disabled passenger's mobility compliments of The Braun Corp., a large manufacturer of wheelchair-accessible vans and related equipment. The wheelchair-ready Town & Country will be given to one of three winners of NMEDA's Local Heroes promotion, which is designed to inform caregivers and people with disabilities of helpful mobility transportation options.

"Finding the right vehicle to help you stay mobile can be a daunting task, but the Chrysler Town & Country is more than fit for duty," said Stewart Gilling, general sales manager of Simsbury, Connecticut Chrysler dealer Mitchell Chrysler Dodge Ram. "Chrysler wants to help raise awareness for mobility issues and remind people that, with the right tools, you can overcome any obstacle or limitation."

One lucky winner of the Local Heroes contest will be presented with their new Chrysler Town & Country on a national television show broadcast. Those who wish to enter the contest may submit a written or videotaped story of their battles or successes in overcoming mobility issues at www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com starting on March 18. Stories will be accepted through May 13, and public online voting will take place from April 1 to May 13.

Although the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country must be outfitted with special equipment to make it wheelchair-accessible, it is already well equipped to keep its occupants safe. A standard ParkView back-up camera allows drivers to avoid potential obstacles lurking behind them, while a Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System prevents the engine from operating without a properly encoded key. For further protection, an available SafetyTec package offers an extensive set of features that includes a park-assist system, blind-spot monitoring and rain-sensitive windshield wipers.

Recently, Chrysler donated another Town & Country to help a family in need. Teaming with Anderson Cooper's syndicated TV talk show, "Anderson," the automaker gave away a 2012 Town & Country Limited to a seven-member Michigan family that was lacking reliable transportation. With room for seven passengers and a maximum cargo volume of 143.8 cubic-feet, the Town & Country is built to handle all that families can throw at it while still returning up to 25 mpg on the highway.

"For a big family that's always on the go, a minivan is the ideal ride, and the Town & Country is the ideal minivan," added Gilling. "It offers the perfect blend of utility and luxury thanks to its standard leather trim and premium entertainment system, and it does so without being a burden at the gas pump."

About Mitchell Chrysler Dodge Ram:

Part of the Mitchell Auto Group that has served Connecticut customers since 1922, Mitchell Chrysler Dodge Ram is driven to provide the highest quality of service to local drivers. Their extensive inventory of new and used Chrysler, Dodge and Ram models is backed up by an elite service department staffed with expert technicians who provide prompt and thorough repairs. For the best automotive experience before, during and after a sale, turn to Mitchell Chrysler Dodge Ram. Browse their entire inventory at www.mitchellchryslerdodge.net or take a test drive in person at their dealership, located at 416 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, CT. They can also be reached via phone at 888-794-2439 and found on Facebook.