What’s the advantage of driving a car in the metaverse? It’s safer, no doubt about it, and there are no speed limits! The automotive world is eagerly embracing virtual reality, and in recent days, we’ve seen some interesting developments on this front.
Renault: Virtual Factories in the Metaverse
Renault, aiming to increase efficiency and competitiveness, has invested €225 million for the virtual reproduction of its factories, with a virtual headquarters in Flins-sur-Seine near Paris. 10,000 sensors provide data on all objects within the factories, and operators and managers have access to real-time data. To visualize the flow management, “Control Towers” come into play, modeling all production and supply phases of the car. For instance, traffic and weather data are used to anticipate or postpone shipments. The result is optimization and inventory management, reducing delivery times. The EcoGy software allows Renault to plan consumption and purchase energy at a lower price to achieve ecosustainability goals and monitor anomalies. The information provides feedback to connected cars, enabling them to adapt accordingly, eventually creating a virtual twin of the desired car.
Fiat’s Metaverse Showroom
Fiat Metaverse Store, a collaboration between Touchcast and Microsoft, is the first metaverse showroom. By the end of the year, Fiat will have integrated its entire range of the New 500 model. The Metaverse Store features a “Product Genius,” a real person responsible for welcoming customers. Customers can thoroughly explore the car with a 360-degree view and ask questions. They can also customize the model and take a test drive of the New 500 La Prima by Bocelli on La Pista 500, located on the roof of the Lingotto building in Turin. Product Genius is available from Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. By the first half of 2023, customers will be able to explore a wider variety of models, and starting in Italy, the virtual service will also be available in other markets.
Nissan in the Metaverse with Ciro Immobile
Nissan Italia has chosen the Decentraland platform to enter the metaverse. On the e-POWER EXPERIENCE metaspace, visitors can explore the new electrified range and the e-POWER motorization, allowing travel of over 1,000 km on a full tank of gasoline. The company has enlisted Ciro Immobile, striker for the Italian National Football Team, for the launch of the virtual space. Visitors can interact and experience interactive scenarios with chatbots. Shop@home is a virtual platform where customers can configure their own car, discover online purchase options, learn about the latest offers, or calculate the trade-in value of their vehicle. Additionally, participants can enter a contest to win a 24-hour real test drive of a Qashqai e-POWER or book a standard test drive at a dealership. Crypto wallet owners can personalize their avatars with virtual Nissan gadgets.