BMW Cashing In On Bikes And Toys

[JoshCalkins]

BMW Cross Country

The add-on is a great way to generate extra revenue. Go to any retail store, and there are tons of add-on and accessory products for big purchases. Buying a TV? Well, you'll need the new surround sound system, and a new DVD player, and new cables to connect them all together. With car sales down around the world, BMW is looking to generate some profit from previously untapped markets, like mountain bikes and electric toys.

First up is the BMW Cross Country mountain bike. The price tag is a hair under 4,000 USD and it apparently "reacts quickly and offers top-class performance." Don't get too excited about this though, as the website states that "BMW bikes cannot be sent outside Europe or to Norway, Spain and Switzerland."

Next is a toy for the kids: a BMW 3-Series Convertible electric toy car "with automatic engine brake. Adjustable seat, rubber wheels. Made from tough plastic containing no harmful substances. Suitable for ages 3 to 5 approx. Top speed of 4 km/h approx., running time: min. 1.5 hours of continuous operation, charging time: approx. 15 hours; lateral E-Panel for forward and reverse gears." That sounds pretty complicated for a child's toy. Also, why go for a 3-Series Convertible? It's only a 3-Series because of a sticker or some paint, so why not make it something big and exciting like an M6 Convertible or a Z4? This toy costs ~425 USD.

The BMW Store is full of gems like this, ranging from the more modest BMW-branded coffee mugs, to a ridiculous BMW fountain pen that costs 183.56 USD.