Digital Phablet

Tag: BMW

  • BMW Owners Furious Over ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ In-Car Ad

    BMW Owners Furious Over ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ In-Car Ad

    It looks like even your vehicle needs an ad blocker now! Recently, angry BMW owners took to social media to share videos claiming they received a pop-up ad for Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” on their in-car screens.

    BMW clarified that the animation does not autoplay. Owners were taken aback by this news, considering BMW is renowned for its luxury vehicles, which can cost from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The backlash intensified as owners accused the German automaker of using their personal cars as marketing platforms.

    BMW owners outraged over in-car ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ ad

    A tweet reported, “BREAKING: BMW remotely pushed a Spider-Man movie ad onto customer vehicle dashboards, sparking outrage over unsolicited in-car advertising.” [Link to tweet]

    One owner posted on the German automaker’s subreddit, sharing a video of the Spider-Man ad and commenting, “Received this commercial in my car today as part of the Spider-Man – Brand New Day campaign.”

    Responses flooded in, with one user saying, “Spending $50,000–$100,000 on a car and still getting ads… guess we need adblockers for cars now?” Another joked, “Wait until the new U2 album OTA update arrives!”

    This development came despite BMW’s assurances that their in-car screens would not be used for advertising. According to The New York Post, owners encountered a banner every time the vehicle was started. Clicking on the banner led to a 19-second, full-screen ad featuring dynamic lighting, animation, and music, suggesting this was more than just a minor experiment by the automaker. The ad, which launched on July 27, is scheduled to run until August 10 in BMW models produced after July 2020.

  • Mod Bikes Unveils BMW-Inspired Sidecar E-Bike Edition

    Mod Bikes Unveils BMW-Inspired Sidecar E-Bike Edition

    Mod Bikes has unveiled the limited-edition Mod Easy Sidecar Sahara, a cargo e-bike inspired by the iconic 1940s BMW R75 Sahara motorcycle. The Sidecar Sahara is set to make its debut on November 9, 2024, at the Electrify Expo located at the Circuit of the Americas racetrack in Austin, Texas.

    Mod’s Unique Take on Sidecars

    Detachable Sidecar

    The e-bike takes cues from the highly sought-after BMW R 75 Sahara motorcycle, which is a prized collectible among enthusiasts. Mod Bikes stands out in the U.S. e-bike market by offering models equipped with sidecars, showcasing a variety of designs. The innovative Easy Sidecar models can easily convert from a sidecar e-bike to a standard two-wheeler in just a few minutes, making them both practical and fun for transporting pets, small children, groceries, and other cargo.

    Removable Sidecar Seat
    Image courtesy of MOD Bikes

    The sidecar features a detachable seat secured with a seatbelt for safety.

    Key Features of the Mod Easy Sidecar Sahara

    The Mod Easy Sidecar Sahara offers similarities to the Mod Easy Sidecar 3 e-bike I reviewed back in April 2024. However, Mod has enhanced this version with a dual-crown motorcycle-style front suspension system, a longer sidecar frame, two headlights, and an elevated cargo rack.

    Additionally, Mod has integrated a rear doggie door into the sidecar design. Unlike the previous model, which required a person to lift a pet into the sidecar, this new door allows pets to hop in on their own, making it a more inviting setup for furry companions.

    Rear View
    Image courtesy of MOD Bikes

    The Easy Sidecar Sahara maintains the same powertrain specifications as the standard model, featuring torque-sensing pedal assist, a robust 750-watt continuous rear hub motor capable of reaching speeds up to 28 mph, and a range of 50 to 100 miles based on riding conditions, total weight, and other factors. The bike can support up to 400 pounds, with a maximum of 150 pounds in the sidecar and an additional 65-pound capacity on the versatile Snap-On rear rack.

    The starting price for the Mod Easy Sidecar limited edition is $3,899, with an introductory offer of $3,499 available until December 1, 2024.