Gear Up for a Retro Ride with a Twist of Safety in the Virtual Realm
YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is putting a fresh spin on traffic safety education with the launch of the Nissan Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio in the metaverse, marking a novel approach to blending automotive heritage with modern safety lessons. This initiative, rolled out in time to celebrate Nissan’s 90th anniversary, showcases the company’s innovative spirit by creating a virtual space where nostalgia meets the future of driver education.
Within this unique digital domain, visitors are invited to explore three iconic periods in Nissan’s history, each represented by a meticulously recreated environment that not only evokes a sense of nostalgia but also serves as a platform for interactive learning. From the vibrant era of the 1980s with the Silvia Q’s (S13), focused on the visibility of pedestrian clothing, to the revolutionary 1970s spotlighting the Skyline 2000GTX-E with its emphasis on the driver’s field of view and multitasking abilities, and back to the bustling 1950s-1960s featuring the Datsun Fairlady SPL213 set against the quintessential American diner and drive-in scene for a hands-on steering lesson. These experiences have been developed in collaboration with academics from prestigious institutions such as Sagami Women’s University, Kitasato University, and Niigata University, ensuring that each virtual exhibit is not only engaging but also educationally rich.
The Nissan Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio is a testament to Nissan’s ongoing efforts to explore innovative ways to connect with the public. By leveraging the immersive capabilities of the metaverse, Nissan aims to reach a wider audience, particularly younger generations and those less familiar with automotive technologies, to impart important traffic safety information in a memorable and enjoyable manner. This initiative follows on the heels of Nissan’s previous ventures into virtual reality, including the Nissan Crossing on VRChat in 2021 and the introduction of the electric mini-vehicle Sakura’s virtual test drives in 2022, further establishing Nissan as a forward-thinking brand in the digital age.
Launching on March 7, 2024, the studio opens its virtual doors at 10:00 AM (JST) and is accessible on VRChat, compatible with Quest devices, ensuring a free and accessible experience for all. This innovative approach not only highlights Nissan’s dedication to traffic safety but also underscores its commitment to merging educational content with interactive and engaging experiences, setting a new benchmark for how automotive companies can leverage technology to educate and engage with their audience.
