Crunchyroll is bringing its anime streaming service to cars through a new partnership with automotive app store Appning. The collaboration will roll out to BMW and Mini vehicles first, before expanding to more than 40 automotive brands worldwide.
The two companies announced the team-up, confirming that the anime app will soon arrive in cars across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America and Australia. Drivers will gain access to Crunchyroll’s full catalogue directly from their vehicle’s in-car entertainment system, rather than watching on a phone.
How the In-Car Experience Works
Appning, the in-car platform operated by Forvia, gives customers access to built-in apps including YouTube, Zoom and Spotify. The addition of Crunchyroll’s streaming service extends anime to drivers globally. While Appning serves as the hub behind the experience, TiVo’s technology surfaces titles and personalised recommendations for Crunchyroll subscribers using the service in their cars.
The venture uses safety-first features, allowing fans to watch more than 50,000 episodes of TV shows and films, plus 25,000 hours of content, when the vehicle is parked. Video playback is blocked if a user attempts to watch while the car is moving.
Subscriptions and Availability
A paid Crunchyroll subscription is still required to watch titles such as Demon Slayer, Solo Leveling and Gachiakuta, with plans starting at around £8 per month. Appning is an Android-powered system that carries more than 300 apps and is already available in car brands including Mercedes-Benz, Lotus and Volkswagen.
Brian McGarvey, Crunchyroll’s SVP of global distribution and business development, said today’s consumers expect their entertainment to be available wherever they are, including in their vehicle. He added that the collaboration with Appning provides another way for the global fan community to enjoy their favourite anime on every journey.
The Crunchyroll app will launch in BMW and Mini vehicles first, with an eventual rollout planned across more than 40 automotive brands.
