Japanese carmakers Nissan and Toyota have become the latest global corporations to join the metaverse after a report said the former had launched a virtual showroom while the latter had created virtual workspaces. By establishing a presence in the metaverse, the two carmakers join their European counterparts Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz in making use of the technology.
As per a Nikkei Asia report, Nissan has created a digital reality version of its Tokyo gallery Nissan Crossing which can be used for vehicle launches and other events. On its website, Nissan Motor Corporation stated that through its Invisible-to-Visible — an augmented reality interface that connects to the metaverse — it has created “limitless possibilities for services and communications that will make driving more convenient, comfortable, and exciting.”
On the other hand, Toyota, which is one of the largest carmakers in the world by volume, is reported to have created virtual workstations for some departments and its subsidiaries. Using avatars, employees take part in company meetings and also chat with each other.
According to the report, the technical development and human resources teams at the parent company are already utilizing virtual workspaces. There are also plans to further expand this, the report said.
Another Communication OptionMeanwhile, a Toyota representative suggested the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions on human movement had inspired the carmakers decision to launch virtual workspaces.
“With more people working from home because of the coronavirus, we are providing young employees and others communication options within the company,” the unnamed representative of the carmaker is quoted stating.