Nissan has taken a pioneering step by launching a one-of-a-kind metaverse experience called the “Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio.” This innovative project seamlessly blends the rich history of Nissan with interactive educational exhibits, all within the immersive realm of the metaverse.
This new initiative marks the 90th anniversary of the Nissan Motor Co. and celebrates the brand’s legacy through virtual representations of three iconic Nissan automobiles. Each car is showcased in a meticulously crafted environment that reflects its era. Stepping into the metaverse, users can explore the Silvia Q’s (S13) alongside a bustling cityscape reminiscent of that period.
The journey continues with a virtual rendition of the Skyline 2000GTX-E, with a mini-game focused on exploring a driver’s field-of-view and how multitasking affects safety while driving. Finally, users are transported to the United States in the 1950s and 60s with a setting reminiscent of a classic American diner and drive-in theater. Here, participants can engage in a hands-on steering wheel spin exercise, likely designed to test reflexes and hand-eye coordination.
But the “Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio” isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Nissan has cleverly integrated interactive educational safety exhibits into the experience. Developed in collaboration with researchers from Japanese universities, these exhibits aim to educate users on safe driving practices within the virtual world.
The “Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio” joins Nissan’s growing collection of metaverse experiences. Notably, the company launched its first virtual test drive in 2022, allowing potential customers to experience Nissan vehicles from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, they refreshed four existing metaverse worlds in December 2023 as part of their 90th-anniversary celebrations.
Nissan’s foray into the metaverse signifies a growing trend within the automotive industry. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more car manufacturers leverage virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to enhance customer engagement, education, and brand awareness. The “Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio” demonstrates the potential of the metaverse to not only revolutionize the way we learn but also redefine how we connect with history and interact with iconic brands like Nissan.
