Nissan Motor Co. has made a significant move into the world of virtual reality by launching an innovative metaverse experience known as ‘Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio’. This project, introduced on March 7th, marks Nissan’s 90th anniversary and underscores the company’s dedication to its historical legacy and the crucial aspect of safety on the road. The primary goal of this new endeavor is to provide users with a distinctive and engaging experience that takes them on a time-traveling adventure, showcasing three iconic cars and promoting safe driving practices.
The inaugural exhibition within the ‘Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio’ spotlights the Silvia Q S13, a popular drift car in Nissan’s lineup. Beyond just allowing users to explore the vehicle in detail, this virtual environment offers valuable insights into how the color of pedestrian clothing can impact a driver’s perception while driving. This unique perspective serves as a reminder of the significance of remaining vigilant and attentive while behind the wheel, even in a simulated setting.
Moving on to the second exhibition, users are transported to a virtual realm featuring the iconic Skyline 2000GTX-E. This particular car holds a special place in Nissan’s history due to its prominence in tuning culture and appearances in popular video games and films like the Gran Turismo series and the Fast and Furious franchise. Aside from examining the car, participants can engage in a mini-game that highlights the dangers of multitasking while driving and advocates for safe driving behaviors.
The third exhibition provides users with a nostalgic journey back to the 1950s-1960s era, immersing them in an American diner and drive-in theater setting. This retro environment allows users to practice steering wheel controls, emphasizing the importance of being proficient with your vehicle’s operations and effectively managing them. Through these exhibitions, users not only get to experience Nissan’s history and iconic cars but also gain valuable insights into safe driving practices.
The creation of the ‘Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio’ metaverse experience is the result of a collaboration between Nissan and Japanese university researchers. This partnership not only lends credibility to the project but also showcases Nissan’s commitment to continuous innovation and pushing boundaries in the automotive sector. By combining virtual technology with research, Nissan demonstrates the potential for groundbreaking advancements in the industry, setting a new standard for immersive experiences.
Accessible through the Meta Quest headset, Nissan’s ‘Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio’ is designed to be user-friendly and easily available for a wide range of users to explore. This approach enhances the inclusivity of the project, enabling a broader audience to engage with the virtual experience. By making their metaverse project accessible and easy to use, Nissan is making strides towards fostering a sense of community and involvement in their innovative initiatives.
While ‘Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio’ represents Nissan’s most recent foray into the virtual realm, it is not their first venture. In 2022, the company introduced its initial virtual test drive, offering users the chance to experience Nissan cars from the comfort of their homes. Subsequently, in December 2023, Nissan enhanced four existing metaverse worlds, further expanding their presence in the virtual domain. Through these initiatives, Nissan proves itself as a pioneering force in the automotive industry, using immersive and educational experiences to celebrate its heritage and emphasize road safety.