Stellantis Pushes $1,500 Ad to Jeep Grand Cherokee, Highlighting OTA Monetization

On November 24, 2025, Jeep owner Zerin Dube saw a $1,500 Loyalty Retail Bonus Cash ad appear on his Grand Cherokee’s infotainment screen for 15 seconds, reappearing at each ignition until dismissed. The ad was pushed over the vehicle’s own cellular connection by Stellantis, and owners could permanently disable it by calling 800‑777‑3600. The incident illustrates how modern cars have become monetized platforms, with manufacturers able to deliver targeted advertising directly to drivers.

The trend dates back to the 1986 Buick Riviera’s nine‑inch CRT touchscreen, through Lexus’s 2001 LS430 navigation, BMW’s 2002 7‑Series iDrive, and Tesla’s 2012 Model S 17‑inch portrait‑oriented browser that enabled OTA updates. Mercedes‑Benz’s 56‑inch Hyperscreen and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer’s seven‑screen setup illustrate the rapid expansion of large displays. Tesla’s OTA system, first deployed in 2012, has since allowed manufacturers to add, remove, or gate features—such as the 2020 removal of adjustable regenerative braking, the 2023 partial restoration, and the 2021 class‑action settlement of $1.5 million over a battery‑charging reduction.

Because the CAN bus lacks authentication, OTA updates can alter vehicle behavior without owner consent, raising security concerns. The article underscores the need for tighter controls and transparency in connected‑vehicle ecosystems.