Your Anime Road Trip Just Got an Upgrade!
Big news for anime fans who love to drive! Crunchyroll, the ultimate destination for anime, is teaming up with the automotive apps distribution platform Appning by FORVIA to bring your favorite shows directly to select vehicles. Get ready to stream in style, starting with BMW and MINI cars across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, India, and Australia. This collaboration is set to expand even further, reaching across BMW Group vehicles and over 40 other automotive brands, making your commute or road trip infinitely more entertaining.
Imagine cruising down the highway, and when you're safely parked or waiting, you can dive into the latest simulcast episode or binge a classic series, all from your car's built-in infotainment system. This is a game-changer for accessibility, bringing anime to fans wherever they are, whenever they want.
Crunchyroll's Evolving Landscape
This exciting expansion comes after some significant developments for Crunchyroll. Earlier this year in February, the company adjusted its subscription prices in the U.S. The Fan Tier moved from US$7.99 to US$9.99, the Mega Fan Tier from US$11.99 to US$13.99, and the Ultimate Fan Tier from US$15.99 to US$17.99 per month.
For those wondering what each tier offers, the Fan Tier provides ad-free streaming and immediate access to new simulcast episodes. The Mega Fan Tier builds on this with offline viewing, up to four simultaneous streams, a 10% discount on select store products, and free shipping for orders over US$50 on the Crunchyroll Store. The top-tier Ultimate Fan Tier includes all these benefits, but bumps up to six simultaneous streams, a 15% store discount, free shipping, an annual Ultimate Fan member swag bag, and exclusive member-only merchandise.
It's also worth noting that Crunchyroll made a significant shift last December by halting its free ad-supported streaming service. This means to enjoy the vast library of anime, a subscription is now required.
The Powerhouse Behind Your Anime
Crunchyroll operates as an independent joint venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment from the U.S. and Japan's Aniplex. Both are subsidiaries of the Tokyo-based Sony Group. This powerful backing has allowed Crunchyroll to grow and innovate, culminating in partnerships like this one with Appning and FORVIA.
The platform's journey to becoming the global anime hub also involved a major acquisition. Sony's Funimation Global Group finalized its purchase of Crunchyroll from ATandT on August 9, 2021, for US$1.175 billion. This strategic move consolidated two anime giants, with Funimation's home video releases now proudly listed under the Crunchyroll brand.
Drive into the Anime Future!
The collaboration with BMW and MINI is a monumental step, pushing the boundaries of where and how we can enjoy anime. Whether you are a dedicated fan or new to the world of Japanese animation, the convenience of in-car streaming promises to make every journey a little more epic. Get ready to experience your favorite anime like never before, right from the comfort of your car!
