You knew it was coming: GM considers allowing ads on 4G-capable in-car systems

By Marcus Amick May 5, 2013

We had to figure it was only matter of time that a carmaker would consider the revenue potential of in-car entertainment systems.

General Motors looks like it might be one of the first to try and cash in on the idea.

GM CEO Dan Akerson said the partnership with AT&T to add 4G connectivity by 2015 for streaming videos to back -seat passengers could include a couple of revenue generating opportunities, reports Left Lane News.

The automotive industry site reports that Akerson said GM will collect a $20 fee from AT& T for every connected vehicle it sells and the carmaker will also split the revenue generated from shared services.

The ability to stream 4G technology into a car, which will allow for faster data mobile speeds for many in-vehicle features, presents a number of new business opportunities, said the CEO.

“With a 4G pipe into a car, you can change the business model almost entirely,” explained Akerson, reports Left Lane. “You may be able to have a real revenue generating opportunity into the car with – when you come up for example, what happens when the logo shows on your screen and its brought to you by Allstate?”

While GM doesn’t appear to have any specific plans tied to advertising on their in-car entertainment components just yet, Akerson’s comments suggest that the idea might already in development.

Then again, it shouldn’t come as a surprise considering how ads for everything from insurance to soft drinks now permeate just about every digital device we own in some form or fashion.

However, the idea of a Pepsi ad popping up in the back-seat of your Buick Enclave does present an interesting dynamic for drivers and passengers alike who often feel that they are already bombarded with too much advertising.

What do you think – should carmakers like GM allow companies to stream ads into vehicles?

Photo Credit: Left Lane News

Topics

Cellular Carriers

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Marcus Amick has been writing about the world of cars for more than ten years and has covered everything from new automobiles…

Cars

The 10 best car battery brands in 2024

How to test a car battery

You must know this, but your car needs a battery to run properly. A dead battery means a car won't start, but various electronics in the car won't work properly either, including overhead dome lights, the radio, and even some security features, like door locks or alerts. So, it's in your best interest to ensure your vehicle's battery is in tip-top shape at all times. It's especially important if your car or vehicle sits unused for long periods. A trickle charger can help keep the battery powered in those situations, or worst case, a portable jump starter can help you get it going. But eventually, you're going to need to replace your battery, and it will help to know the best car battery brands out there so you know precisely what to replace your old one with. Let's discuss.
AC Delco
In operation for more than a century, AC Delco has been recommended as "the only batteries" for GM vehicles. You'll find them at retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Amazon, and even some Walmarts. They're reliable, reasonably priced, and come with a good warranty, 18 months or above, depending on where you buy. A great AC Delco battery to call out is the Advantage series.

Bosch
Bosch is a solid mid-grade battery provider both in quality and price. They do have some affordable options, but their premium lines are still reasonably priced, with several tiers available for a wide variety of vehicles. The downside is that Bosch batteries are not carried by all retailers like some of the other options on our list, but you can find them online. You can also visit a Bosch service center if there's one near you. Callouts are the S4 to S6 series and the T4 to T6 series. We will say the brand's four-year free replacement warranty is unmatched.

Cars

Tesla’s fix for faulty Cybertruck pedal is simpler than you might think

Tesla Cybertruck

Less than five months after handing over the first Cybertrucks to customers, Tesla has had to recall the electric pickup to fix an issue with the accelerator.

In a notice issued on Friday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that the recall impacts Cybertruck vehicles manufactured from November 13, 2023, to April 4, 2024. This suggests that all -- or almost all -- of the 3,878 Cybertrucks being recalled are those that have been manufactured to date.

Cars

Ford Mustang Mach-E 2024 vs. Mach-E 2023: What’s new in Ford’s electric Mustang?

Blue Ford Mustang Mach-E on a rooftop

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is easily one of the best EVs for the price, offering a solid range, sleek design, and pretty good tech on the inside. In recent years, it has gotten even cheaper -- thanks in large part to a price war between it and the Tesla Model 3. And, the company just took the wraps off of the latest and greatest version of the Mach-E, labeled as the 2024 model.

The 2024 Mustang Mach-E is notably different from the 2023 iteration in some meaningful ways. So much so that we decided to take a look at the two head-to-head -- to see if it was better to pay for the 2024 model or save some cash on any remaining 2023 stock.
Design
The Mustang Mach-E looks relatively unique -- in a good way. And thankfully, Ford has largely kept the overall design the same for the 2024 model, at least when it comes to the more consumer-focused models. The car retains the slatted taillights and crossover size. It also offers a large selection of colors, including the very blue Grabber Blue Metallic, as well as Rapid Red Metallic. It's a good selection of colors, and there should be an option for most buyers.