In a first for the South African motor industry, Audi has launched a virtual reality-enabled Audi Customer Private Lounge (CPL) at Audi Centre Centurion in Gauteng. With the VR solution, customers can experience their individually configured car.
The Audi CPL allows for a one-to-one engagement between a customer and a
sales consultant in a digital, premium and intimate environment. Once in the
CPL, digital technologies like the VR headset and 75-inch screen allows the
Audi sales consultant to present the entire Audi model range, including all
equipment options, colour combinations, packages and specifications during the
customer sales dialogue.
More than 400 Audi Customer Private Lounges or digitalised consulting suites
are in use in Audi dealerships around the world.
The VR application allows users to become immersed in the virtual
world, conveying a detailed image prior to the purchase decision, without
having to see the physical vehicle on the dealership floor. The configured Audi
is experienced in three dimensions and 360 degrees, with light and sound
effects. Various environments, times of day, and light conditions also
contribute to the true-to-life virtual experience of sitting in the car. The
interior can also be observed from every perspective, down to the surface of
the decorative inlays, depending on the position relative to the virtual light
source.
“Digitalisation is key part of Audi’s global corporate strategy, and
the CPL is a great example of this,” said Trevor Hill, Head of Audi South
Africa. “It’s a great opportunity to introduce this form of innovation and
technology within the South African automotive industry and to have progressive
Dealer partners such as Audi Centre Centurion, who have presented a truly
premium retail experience for Audi customers,” concluded Hill.
In addition, the VR headset within the Audi CPL offers customers the chance
to experience special Audi moments – an expectation that more and more
customers associate with buying a car. Motorsport fans can, for instance,
immerse themselves virtually in the atmosphere of the Le Mans 24 Hours race:
reminiscent of Audi victories at this iconic endurance race, the customer gets
an up-close experience during a pit stop alongside the crew of mechanics.
Audi expects to roll out the CPL concept to more dealerships around South
Africa within the coming years. The full, VR-enabled, Vorsprung experience is
now available to Audi enthusiasts and customers at the newly revamped Audi
Centre Centurion, at 1016 Lenchen Avenue North, Centurion, Gauteng.
