Nissan is gearing up to take a new step in the automotive world, this time opening the doors to the virtual realm. Announced on March 7, the “Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio” metaverse experience embarks on a journey rich in immersive depictions, focusing on history and safety. This exhibition, featuring three of Nissan’s most iconic vehicles, is enhanced with interactive educational safety elements.
Celebrating the Company’s 90th Anniversary as a Main Goal
According to Nissan’s press release, this studio has been assembled to celebrate the company’s 90th anniversary and is filled with three iconic models, each with detailed virtual environments reflecting their respective eras. First, the Silvia Q’s S13 model, famous for drifting, is showcased.
Here, users can examine the vehicle and access safety-focused information, such as the impact of pedestrian clothing colors on drivers.
The second exhibit hosts a mini-game focused on helping drivers understand their field of vision and the impact of multitasking on driving safety. Additionally, the Skyline 2000GTX-E model, known for its significant place in popular culture through the Gran Turismo video game series and The Fast and the Furious movie series, can also be examined here.
Opportunity for Practical Steering Wheel Turning Exercise
The final exhibit takes users back to the 1950s and 60s in the United States. This exhibit offers an environment reminiscent of “a classic American diner and drive-in movie theater” and provides users with the opportunity to practice steering wheel turning exercises.
These experiences have been developed in collaboration with researchers at universities in Japan. They also contribute to the company’s previous initiatives, such as Nissan’s prior virtual test drive offered on the Meta Quest headset.
With this move, Nissan is also aligning with current trends in the technology world. The rise of virtual and augmented reality applications, led by companies like Meta and Microsoft, is presenting new opportunities in the automotive industry. With the launch of Apple’s mixed reality headset, it’s clear that competition in this field will intensify.
Nissan’s metaverse exhibits not only showcase the company’s innovative spirit and respect for its history but also contribute to raising awareness about safe driving among drivers. It is possible to say that such innovative steps are promising for the future of the automotive industry.
