75% of top brands have VR projects
According to Virtual Reality Brand Power Index released this morning by YouVisit, 75 percent of the Forbes World’s Most Valuable Brands have created some form of virtual or augmented reality experience for customers or employees, or are themselves innovating and developing these technologies.
The tech sector is in the lead in adopting virtual reality technology, but automotive is also notable in being an early mover, Endri Tolka, COO and co-founder of YouVisit, toldHypergrid Business.
“Brands like BMW, Audi, Porsche, KIA, Volkswagen, Lexus, Chevrolet, and Honda have all incorporated virtual reality and augmented reality experiences into their marketing strategy,” he said.
Examples include mobile applications where potential buyers can check out the latest model from Mercedes-Benz or test drive Audi’s fastest car, he said.
“It’s clear that the automotive industry is really starting to see the value in virtual reality,” he added. “The technology is allowing automotive companies to better connect with their customers and allowing them to get in cars without actually making the purchase.”
The financial sector, known for its conservative approach to new technology, lags the furthest behind in making use of virtual reality, he said. Though even here some brands are taking steps, including RBC, HSBC and Wells Fargo.