Category
Tech
Automated Upkeep
Trend cluster
Category
Virtual Test
Drive
Auto manufacturers shift to digital means to get drivers behind the wheel.
2.4
Trend score
Trend
What is the Virtual Test Drive trend?
Virtual Test Drive: The decline of car culture amongst Millennial drivers has led to auto manufacturers going the digital route by offering test drives via virtual reality. This shift towards simulation in marketing acknowledges the preferences of those obsessed with digital culture while also making the experience easier to distribute for brands.
Trend themes
Themes within the Virtual Test Drive trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Virtual Reality Simulation
Auto manufacturers are moving to digital means by offering test drives via virtual reality, creating opportunities for professional virtual reality simulators and calibration services for car enthusiasts.
02
Motion-Capture Technology
The use of motion-capture cameras combined with virtual reality headsets results in a highly accurate experience for designers to explore automobile designs, providing opportunities for innovation in motion-capture technology in the automotive industry.
03
Augmented Reality Gaming
Car manufacturers are lending their vehicles to the virtual world for promotional purposes, creating an avenue for game developers to create augmented reality games or simulators that use actual vehicles and attract a new generation of customers.
Industry implications
What the Virtual Test Drive trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Simulation Industry
The rise of virtual reality test drives will create opportunities in the simulation industry for companies that provide calibration services, simulators, and customization options for car enthusiasts.
For
Motion-Capture Industry
The use of motion-capture technology in the automobile industry provides growth opportunities for motion-capture service providers who can help designers explore automobile designs more efficiently and accurately.
For
Game Development Industry
The use of augmented reality in car promotional events creates growth opportunities for game development companies to create augmented reality games or driving simulators using real-life vehicles.
Trend signals
Trend signals for Virtual Test Drive
Trend score 2.4 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 18%, freshness 8%.
Popularity46%
Activity18%
Freshness8%
Audience
90%Men
10%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Virtual Test Drive trend
4 featured examples from Oct 6, 2013 to Oct 21, 2014CategoryAutos
Virtual Car Chase Games
Nissan's Chase the Thrill Immerses You in an AR Car Chase on Foot
By leveraging virtual reality, the automotive industry can offer a more convenient way for consumers to try out their latest models.
CategoryAutos
Immersive Virtual Reality Cars
Ford's Immersive Vehicle Environment Generates a 3D Car
Immersive virtual reality prototyping presents an opportunity for automotive manufacturers to streamline the design process, visualize new models, and gather feedback before physi…
CategoryAutos
Advanced Race Driving Simulators
The Porsche 996 GT3 Virtual Simulator is as Real as it Gets
Incorporating advanced virtual driving experiences into the gaming and entertainment industry to enhance users' immersion and enjoyment.
CategoryAutos
Transformer-Inspired Reality Simulators
The Oculus Rift & Ford Partnership Experiment is 3-D
The automotive design industry can leverage reality simulator technology for immersive virtual exploration and analysis of vehicle designs.
