Here's How AR/VR is Changing Its Stance in Automotive Industry

Auto Tech Outlook | Wednesday, November 17, 2021

AR’s ability to communicate with the real world through computer-generated graphics renders it a future-ready technology for the entire automotive ecosystem. One main application is self-servicing.

FREMONT, CA: Digital transformation has completely changed the retailing and marketing approaches, from mass-oriented to a targeted and personalized experience. Technology has currently leveraged the customers to tailor the interior of their next car while sitting in the living room. Such is the ability of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in the automotive sector.

Below are some profound ways AR/VR is reshaping the automotive industry and contributing to defining the automotive ecosystem’s future.

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The Virtual Reality Showroom experience

The process of buying cars is becoming ever more cumbersome and complicated. Virtual reality comes into effect in the modern-day automotive ecosystem to mitigate these challenges. Automotive brands provide consumers with features such as a 3D car configurator that allows them to select different colors, customize seats, and a variety of other things before zeroing to the final model. This aspect not only decreases the cost of purchasing vehicles but also improves productivity for service providers.

Maintaining a large showroom with a wide range of models is costly, as it not only raises operating costs and depreciates the unsold vehicles over time. Less popular automobiles and unpopular deals will incur losses. VR is instrumental in tackling these problems and improving productivity for dealers and OEMs at large.

Virtual Test Driving

A virtual dealership is incomplete without a virtual test drive, and, fortunately, VR is now widely deployed for the ultimate user experience. When it gets hard to step out and get used to a vehicle’s driving experience, immersive technology delivers it right at the comfort of the sofa. Technological developments have made so much progress that consumers can experience and evaluate the vehicle’s behavior’s exact characteristics while pushing it to the limits. Some brands have created immersive 360 videos to offer consumers an entirely realistic experience.

Self-servicing through AR

AR’s ability to communicate with the real world through computer-generated graphics renders it a future-ready technology for the entire automotive ecosystem. One main application is self-servicing. In minor malfunctions and in scenarios where the mechanic is unavailable, AR allows users to locate and take corrective action to perform repair and maintenance activities on their cars. From the inspection of the wrongly connected wires under the hood to determine the damaged component after the accident, AR moves the envelope further and redefines the automobile ownership experience.

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