DETROIT, Jan 20 (Reuters) - A vehicle with "disappearing" seats will be the prize in a contest sponsored by Chrysler. But seats may be beside the point since the winner will be the last person left standing.
The automaker, a division of DaimlerChrysler , said on Tuesday 20 contestants would compete in the "Stand By Your Van" contest, to be held during next month's annual auto show in Chicago.
The person able to stand the longest -- no leaning, sitting or kneeling allowed -- while keeping one hand on an all-new Chrysler Town and Country or Dodge Grand Caravan minivan, will receive either vehicle as a prize, Chrysler said.
Contestants will get food and beverages and a 15-minute break every three hours. The contest is expected to last more than 72 hours, with judges watching around the clock.
The second- and third-row seats in Chrysler's new minivans can "disappear" by folding flat into storage compartments in the floor of the vehicles, which the automaker touts as an industry first.
Win-a-car promotions are not uncommon in the auto industry, and such endurance tests have been used before by dealers. But it's rare for automakers to sponsor them directly.