BMW missing out on China’s karaoke fans exposes digital car gap

Western car brands like BMW are being stumped by digitally demanding customers in China, who are expecting features like in car karaoke when choosing what to buy. — Reuters

BMW AG rarely has to answer this question in Western showrooms, but it’s becoming increasingly important for selling cars in China: Can I sing karaoke in this automobile?

Customers in the world’s biggest auto market are demanding that sing-along apps such as Changba work in new vehicles. Local manufacturers XPeng Inc., Nio Inc. and BYD Co. are at the forefront of this trend, besting Western rivals by offering models with karaoke microphones.