Nissan Using Microsoft Kinect to Help Buyers Experience New Pathfinder

The new NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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will not be in dealers for a few months, but for buyers who want to experience the car now, Nissan has equipped its dealers with the Microsoft Kinect (the same unit as the XBox Kinect) to experience the car virtually. 

By using Microsoft's Natural User Interface, buyers will be able to view the car virtually inside and out. They will also be able to build their car within the interface to see how it will look. The system reacts to users leaning forward and backward, grabbing elements of the car and stepping forward and backward. With each movement the view changes dynamically. 

"The Pathfinder application using Kinect for Windows is a game changer in terms of the way we can engage with our customers. We're taking our marketing to the next level, creating experiences that enhance the act of discovery, and generating excitement about new models before they're even available. It's a powerful pre-sales tool that has the potential to redefine the way consumers think about the dealer experience," said Nissan Vice President of Marketing Jon Brancheau.

Nissan used a version of the Kinect experience when it showed the car at the Chicago Motor Show and New York Motor Show.

The Kinect interface will be in 16 Nissan dealers in 13 states. If it is successful, Nissan will expand it out to more dealers in the future.