Nissan experiments with virtual showroom using Microsoft's Kinect

Nissan y Critical Mass, an Omnicom digital marketing agency, are testing a new virtual showroom that uses Microsoft's Kinect for Windows technology. The challenge: there is no physical car to show, But the application has been implemented on a large screen that allows users to immerse themselves in the car virtually.

Nissan is promoting a new way to sell cars at its dealerships using Kinect technology for Windows. Microsoft. Using the Natural User Interface (HUGE) the Kinect, Nissan lets buyers get into a Pathfinder 2013 virtual and test the SUV - which is not yet in dealerships- with natural movements and gestures.

When they are going to buy a new car, more than 71 percent of American consumers use the web to compare brands, choose model and color options and investigate incentives and financing. Most use an online vehicle configurator to “build” a personalized version of your ideal car - an online tool to personalize the experience to consumer preferences. The next step: a trip to the dealership to see the car in person.

Jon Brancheau, Vice President of Marketing, Nissan North America, points out that “'Kicking the tires' is a critical step in the car buying process. People want to see the car first.. It's something visceral: see it, touch it, drive it… But, What happens if the dealer doesn't have that 'ideal car' on the lot?, or if the car has not been produced yet? How many sales are lost when you can't provide the customer with the car they want and make the physical connection essential to closing the deal??”

Test drive the car virtually

Using Kinect's NUI buyers will be able to examine the new Pathfinder 2013, which is scheduled for release worldwide this fall – the outside, customize colors, examine the wheels, see front and back, and go inside to experience the tapestry, legroom, the entertainment system, and other details.

Nissan is launching the Kinect Pathfinder experience in 16 of its dealers in 13 states. Each dealer has been equipped with a Kinect-based kiosk for Windows, a computer, a television and all the necessary hardware and software. When interacting with the kiosk, Customers will be able to explore the various features of the Pathfinder 2013, after a simple tutorial that guides them through a series of natural movements, how to extend your hand, step forward and backward, as well as moving from side to side to activate active zones in the Pathfinder image projected on a television screen. The actions simulate the real process of “kick the tires” and explore a real car, from inspecting the exterior to jumping inside to check out its amenities.

The dealership of the future

“Nissan is one of the first automakers to use Windows Kinect technology in its dealerships. We are committed to driving innovation not only in the design of our vehicles, but also in the way we bring them to the market “, added Brancheau. “The Pathfinder app with Kinect for Windows is a game changer in terms of the way we can interact with our customers. We are taking marketing to the next level, creating experiences that enhance the act of discovery, and generating excitement for new models before they are available. It is a powerful pre-sales tool that has the potential to redefine the way consumers think about the dealer experience.. ”

Chris Gokiert, president of Critical Mass, has commented for his part: “We believe that the Kinect NUI for Windows is an interaction model of the future. During the last 16 years, we have been designing experiences for clicks, after touch, and after touches with the arrival of the iPhone and iPad. Now, We are developing the first phase of these experiences that have so much appeal for the consumer because they are richer and respond to human and natural gestures and voices, and that also have so much commercial relevance, since they can play a fundamental role in promoting products and helping to boost sales 'in situ'”.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQVycUmeqB4[/youtube]