Nissan Motor Co. has recently made a bold move into the virtual realm by introducing a new metaverse experience known as ‘Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio’. This project, which was launched on March 7th, marks Nissan’s 90th anniversary and underscores the company’s dedication to its heritage and safety. The goal of this initiative is to provide users with a distinctive and immersive experience that guides them through time, showcasing three iconic cars while emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices.
The first exhibition within ‘Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio’ highlights the Silvia Q S13, a beloved Nissan drift car. Through this virtual setting, users can not only explore the car in detail but also gain insights into how the color of pedestrian clothing can impact a driver’s perception on the road. This novel perspective emphasizes the significance of remaining vigilant and attentive while driving, even in a virtual space.
The second exhibition allows users to delve into a virtual world showcasing the iconic Skyline 2000GTX-E. This vehicle holds a special place in Nissan’s history, being significant in tuning culture and appearing in popular video games and films. In addition to discovering the car, users can engage in a mini-game that highlights the dangers of multitasking while driving and encourages safe driving behaviors.
The third exhibition transports users back to the 1950s-1960s era, immersing them in an American diner and drive-in theater setting. This nostalgic environment enables users to practice steering wheel controls, stressing the importance of being proficient in handling their vehicle’s controls effectively. This metaverse experience is the product of a collaboration between Nissan and Japanese university researchers, showcasing the potential for integrating virtual technology with research.
Nissan’s ‘Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio’ can be accessed via the Meta Quest headset, making it convenient for users to partake in the experience. This user-friendly approach enhances the inclusivity of the project, ensuring it is accessible to a broader audience. While this metaverse experience represents Nissan’s initial foray into the virtual realm, it is not their only venture in this space. In 2022, the company introduced its first virtual test drive, enabling users to explore a Nissan vehicle from the comfort of their homes.
In December 2023, Nissan expanded its virtual presence by revamping four existing metaverse worlds. With ‘Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio’, Nissan once again establishes itself as a trailblazer in the automotive industry. This immersive and educational metaverse experience commemorates their rich history while advocating for safety on the road.