I agree that's a nice use case (to get details about a grill in a store), but it's not an example of advertising.
Even for that use case, QR codes seem like an interim solution, while we wait for better recognition apps (photo [of object or tag] -> recognition software -> search -> detailed info about object). An example of this is the Google Goggles app (which is not to be confused with Google Glass):
That's a good point. There's not much real use for a QR code being on a billboard/or vehicle. Also, I think QR codes will have their day, then be replaced by superior technology.
Even for that use case, QR codes seem like an interim solution, while we wait for better recognition apps (photo [of object or tag] -> recognition software -> search -> detailed info about object). An example of this is the Google Goggles app (which is not to be confused with Google Glass):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Goggles