New Toyota minivan makes it easier to yell at kids

Friday, July 18, 2014, Vol. 38, No. 29

DETROIT (AP) — Toyota wants to help you scream at your unruly kids.

The latest version of the company's Sienna minivan has a feature called "Driver Easy Speak." It uses a built-in microphone to amplify a parent's voice through speakers in the back seats. It works only one way, so the kids can't talk back.

At least not with amplified voices.

The feature is an option on the 2015 Sienna, which is being refreshed with a totally new interior.

Analysts say such features are needed to help make out-of-fashion minivans more appealing to buyers.