The first South African Audi Customer Private Lounge (CPL) has opened at Audi Centre Centurion which enables prospective customers to experience and kit out their ideal car with the aid of virtual reality (VR) tech.
In the CPL, users get access to a VR headset and a 75in display, which is used during a sales session to view the entire Audi model range, including all equipment options, colour combinations, packages and specifications. More than 400 of these lounges already exist in Audi dealerships worldwide.
“Digitalisation is a key part of Audi’s global corporate strategy, and the CPL is a great example of this,” says 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.”
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After the car has been crafted and kitted out with every single detail the customer wants — they get to experience sitting in it, driving it and detailing specific areas without the need for a physical vehicle. The interior can be checked from every perspective, down to the surface of the decorative inlays, depending on the position relative to the virtual ‘light source’.
Although a bit gimmicky, we can see many prospective car buyers opting for this before buying — you know — because they have to make sure that metallic grey doesn’t clash with their Rolex (or their Apple Watch strap, for that matter).