# Virtual Test Drive Auto manufacturers shift to digital means to get drivers behind the wheel. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Oct 24, 2014 | Category: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/auto-and-motor-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-test-drive ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.4/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 6, 2013 to Oct 21, 2014 - Published: Oct 24, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Virtual Test Drive trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Virtual Test Drive trend means for industry ### For 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 for Virtual Test Drive Trend score 2.4 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 18%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 46% - Activity: 18% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Virtual Test Drive trend 4 featured examples from Oct 6, 2013 to Oct 21, 2014. - [Virtual Car Chase Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chase-the-thrill): Nissan's Chase the Thrill Immerses You in an AR Car Chase on Foot (Category: Autos) Implication: By leveraging virtual reality, the automotive industry can offer a more convenient way for consumers to try out their latest models. - [Immersive Virtual Reality Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/immersive-vehicle-environment): Ford's Immersive Vehicle Environment Generates a 3D Car (Category: Autos) Implication: Immersive virtual reality prototyping presents an opportunity for automotive manufacturers to streamline the design process, visualize new models, and gather feedback before physi… - [Advanced Race Driving Simulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-simulator): The Porsche 996 GT3 Virtual Simulator is as Real as it Gets (Category: Autos) Implication: Incorporating advanced virtual driving experiences into the gaming and entertainment industry to enhance users' immersion and enjoyment. - [Transformer-Inspired Reality Simulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reality-simulator): The Oculus Rift & Ford Partnership Experiment is 3-D (Category: Autos) Implication: The automotive design industry can leverage reality simulator technology for immersive virtual exploration and analysis of vehicle designs. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Autos - [Vintage Motoring Rally Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dolomites-classic-run) - [Flagship Electric SUV Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/BYD-Sealion) - [Integrated Robotaxi Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Integrated-Robotaxi-Networks) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos)