The BMW gaming mouse. Finally, the best in German engineering comes to the desktop.

The BMW gaming mouse. Finally, the best in German engineering comes to the desktop.

Car Design Not For Cars

5 non-automotive products made by automakers.

By: David Merline

Web2Carz Senior Writer

Published: September 1st, 2012



I

t’s no secret that many carmakers make things other than cars. Former Swedish automaker Saab started out making airplanes. Honda is known not just for its cars, but for its motorcycles and lawnmowers as well. Henry Ford, who was notoriously frugal, used wood scrap from his car plants to make charcoal, and cofounded the Kingsford Company in the 1920s. Here’s a look at just a few of the products to which car companies have leant their logos in recent years.

mouse 

BMW Gaming Mouse ($100)
The Thermaltake Level 10 M electronic gaming mouse, designed by BMW DesignworksUSA is being hailed as “the ultimate gaming mouse.” The hi-tech mouse boasts features such as 3D steering access movement, a solid aluminum base, air-through ventilation system, and intelligent software application. And it looks way cool as well.

lambo 

Lamborghini Bicycle ($26,000)
Lamborghini teamed up with BMC of Swizerland to make this sleek carbon-fiber road bike. It features suede-covered handlebars and saddle, 60mm wheels, and the automaker’s famous “House of Raging Bull” emblem on the front.

segway 

Ferrari Segway ($12,000)
In 2007 Ferrari teamed up with the makers of everyone’s least favorite means of transportation, the Segway, to produce this limited edition Ferrari i2 Segway. Aside from the Ferrari-red paint job and the emblem on the front, it was just another Segway, and it still failed to revolutionize human transport.

glasses 

Porsche Eyeglasses ($200-$400)
Porshce Design has created many non-auto products: coffeemakers, watches, luggage, external hard drives, and eyeglasses. “Classic form, innovative function,” is how the Porsche Design website describes its visionwear. “Porsche Design Eyewear products are made from top quality materials and come in a unique design,” boasts the company’s website. “Carefully selected materials, the latest technology, perfect engineering and highly comfortable. The right eyewear for every occasion.”

hummer 

Hummer Cologne ($40)
Who doesn’t want to smell like a ridiculous out-of-production paramilitary SUV? What does that smell like? Well, it’s a “fresh and exhilarating burst of freshness comprised of green foliage, cardamom, thyme, and peppercorns that capture the essence of the outdoors," says the Amazon product description. "The smooth richness of tonka bean act as the axle that links and balances the fresh and warm notes, creating an olfactory sensation that can only be Hummer.” Any more questions?