Play Center Is Latest Accessory For Mini-Van Set

Automotive interior supplier Johnson Controls and toymaker LEGO Group have teamed up to attack an ageless burning question: "Are we there yet?" The first resulting product -- the PlaySeat with LEGO Connections by Johnson Controls -- is a fold-out child activity center integrated into the rear seat of a vehicle. It has a writing and drawing desktop, LEGO play surface, cup holders, and storage for LEGO bricks and other toys. The market-ready PlaySeat first will be aimed at minivan and sport utility vehicle programs, offered as original equipment in new vehicles. Plymouth, Mich.-based Johnson Controls and Billund, Denmark-based LEGO announced their new strategic alliance -- to create family-friendly automotive products -- in early January at the 1999 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Positive response to a prototype child activity center at last year's show prompted the go-ahead for the PlaySeat collaboration.