Chrysler is hoping drivers use a 2017 Pacifica to get to Sesame Street

Chrysler is now sponsoring Sesame Street on PBS and is using the popular characters in several different online spots to teach drivers about all of the safety features in the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The videos go live this week on Chrysler’s Youtube Channels and the automaker’s digital platforms. It does not appear that the commercials will run during the television show. The videos are already available on Chrysler's digital platforms.

Tim Kuniskis, head of passenger car brands for Fiat Chrysler North America, says in a statement, “With our all-new Chrysler Pacifica minivan, we wanted to help educate parents about its unprecedented 115 safety, security and technology innovations – and who better than 'Sesame Street,' which has been reaching and educating families for almost 50 years."

Sesame Street has always prided itself on keeping its mission to educate children as nonprofit. The show does allow sponsors.

Steve Youngwood, Chief Operating Officer of the Sesame Workshop says, “Partnering with Chrysler will help us extend our reach in new and creative ways, and support Sesame Workshop's nonprofit mission to help kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder. We’re thrilled to work with a brand that stands for a deep commitment to families and children.”

The videos that were released show children in Chrysler shirts and the Sesame Street characters interacting with a puppet game show host named Guy Smiley. As the characters play Listen! Drive! Surprise! They learn about different safety and technology features. Bert learns about the new ‘Forward Collision Warning’ system on the new minivan while Ernie is acting as his co-pilot. Cookie Monster uses the ‘hands-free liftgate’ so he can load the cargo area with huge plates of cookies. Eventually, there will be at least ten videos demonstrating the technology available on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifia and Pacifica Hybrid. Grover learns how to use the ‘parallel parking assist’. Not all of the demos are safety related. Oscar the grouch pops out of the storage compartment built into the floor.

Chrysler says that the 2017 Pacifica is its most advanced family vehicle ever. Chrysler and Dodge are credited with creating the minivan segment and growing it into a virtual living room on wheels.