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Exploring Nissan’s Metaverse: A Fusion of Car Legacy and Driver Education

On March 7, Nissan Motor Co. unveiled a new metaverse experience focused on history and safety.

The “Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio” exhibit by Nissan Motor Co. seamlessly integrates immersive portrayals of three iconic historical vehicles with engaging interactive safety education displays.

According to a press release from Nissan:

The studio marks Nissan’s 90th anniversary year, starting in December, showcasing three iconic models from its heritage. Each model is placed within a virtual environment carefully designed to reflect its specific era.

The initial exhibit highlights the Silvia Q’s S13, globally recognized for its drifting popularity. Within the Heritage Cars & Safe Driving studio, users can explore this historic vehicle and delve into the educational aspect of understanding the influence of pedestrian clothing colors on drivers.

In the second exhibit, users engage in a mini-game to grasp the dynamics of a driver’s field-of-view and the impact of multitasking on safety while driving. Additionally, they can explore the Skyline 2000GTX-E, celebrated as one of the most iconic tuner vehicles globally, featured prominently in popular culture, including the Gran Turismo video game series and the Fast and Furious film franchise.

The concluding exhibit transports users to the 1950s and 60s United States, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a classic American diner and drive-in theater. Here, participants can engage in a hands-on steering wheel spin exercise, adding a nostalgic touch to the metaverse experience.

All three experiences were crafted in collaboration with university researchers in Japan, blending academic insights with immersive technology. These new metaverse exhibits are accessible via the Meta Quest headset, joining Nissan’s innovative portfolio, including the company’s first virtual test drive introduced in 2022.

As part of its 90th-anniversary celebration in December 2023, Nissan refreshed four existing metaverse worlds, enhancing the virtual experience for users.

Nissan’s metaverse updates align with the maturation of AR and VR hardware solutions. The release of Apple’s inaugural mixed-reality headset in February 2024 marks heightened competition for tech giants like Meta and Microsoft, both of which have been progressively advancing in consumer and enterprise adoption over the past decade.

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