Nissan India introduces virtual showroom experience

• Customers can take 360-degree tour of Nissan models via a virtual showroom
• Booking process for Nissan and Datsun vehicles made available online
• Prospective buyers can digitally apply for loans 

In a move that echoes fellow automakers, Nissan has introduced its digital sales initiatives in India to promote customer engagement through online platforms and minimise physical interactions. The announcement comes on the back of the company’s production and retail networks commencing operation in a phased manner, as per the latest government guidelines.

How does the Nissan virtual showroom work?

The centrepiece of the new digital tools is the ‘Nissan Virtual Showroom’ which is accessible via the company’s official website. It is essentially a digital recreation which allows customers to take a 360-degree tour of the brand’s vehicles and explore their features. Users can not only take a walkaround of the exteriors, but also have a look inside the vehicles’ cabins.

What other digital tools is Nissan offering?

Prospective buyers have the facility to make an online booking by selecting the model and variant of their choice, providing their contact information, choosing an appropriate dealership and digitally paying the token amount. Nissan claims that interested customers can also apply for financial loans online.

Which Nissan cars and SUVs can be experienced and booked online?

The scope of virtual interaction is currently limited to just the Kicks midsize SUV which is the sole mass-market model part of Nissan’s BS6 portfolio for the time being. The company is gearing up to step up efforts with the launch of the Maruti Vitara Brezza and Hyundai Venue-rivalling Magnite compact SUV in the coming months.

However, the company has announced that the convenience of making digital bookings is being extended to Nissan as well as Datsun products, which include the Go hatchback and Go+ mini-MPV that were introduced in their BS6 avatars recently. The Nissan sub-brand will next launch the facelift of the Redigo budget hatch in the coming days.  

Despite the dealership network beginning to come back on track, footfalls at showrooms are expected to be limited as people continue practicing social distancing. Like Nissan, most carmakers are bolstering their online presence with the aim of incentivising retails in these unprecedented times by minimising physical interaction.