Tesla has started showing ads in its cars
What's the story
Tesla has started showing in-car advertisements, the latest being a promotion for Disney's film, Tron: Ares. The ad features Light Cycles racing through an augmented cityscape, replacing the usual gray models that indicate nearby traffic. The theme is enhanced with red ambient lighting and unique turn signal sounds to match the movie's vibe.
Past references
Tesla's cinematic references
Tesla has a history of including nods to popular films in its vehicle settings. These include James Bond's Lotus Esprit submersible, Ludicrous Mode from Spaceballs, and even Mad Max for the Full Self Driving semi-autonomous features. However, the Tron integration is different as it is directly promoting a movie rather than just being a fun easter egg.
Owner reactions
Controversy and debate
The introduction of in-car advertising has sparked a debate among Tesla owners, with some claiming it crosses a line. The move comes after a public spat between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Disney CEO Bob Iger over advertising on X. Despite the controversy, this may not be the last promotion we see in Tesla vehicles.