In this article, team Tvodo would like to tell you about new trends in the car market, namely the use of 3D configurators in the automotive industry.
Automakers who feel the pulse of the market have always been masters in the art of marketing, realizing that when selling cars, not only characteristics are important, but also stories that tell about adventures. These days, these stories have moved to the online space, where 86% of potential buyers spend time searching for information before the purchase itself. Thus, the car market is forced to adapt to a new reality, where the effectiveness of marketing is determined not only by television advertising, but also by innovative technologies.
Technological revolution:
A couple of years ago, buyers were looking for cars at dealerships after watching ads. Today, the scenario has changed - consumers first get to know each other online, which pushes automakers to use new approaches in promoting their products. Online research is now a mandatory stage of purchase, and technology plays a key role here.
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Technology and personalization:
In the face of competition for customer attention, automakers have turned their attention to the gaming industry by creating 3D configurators for cars. Companies like Audi have taken advantage of the power of game engines to offer a personalized and interactive online experience. This not only changes the approach to car configuration, but also opens up new opportunities for buyers - from choosing additional options to visualizing how their belongings will fit in the trunk.
Step into the future:
3D configurators in the automotive industry have become not only a sales tool, but also a means of optimizing processes. The integration of game engines allows automakers to save time and resources by creating photorealistic images for marketing without the need to create physical prototypes. This not only saves money, but also speeds up the entire marketing process.
An example of high-quality use of a 3D configurator:
Audi has become a pioneer in the use of 3D configurators. In 2017, the brand successfully tested the technology on the Audi A4 and subsequently expanded the use of the Audi Visualization Engine to various models. This gave customers the opportunity to explore millions of configuration options. At the same time, game engines have become part of internal processes, improving product visualization and reducing costs.
An important example:
In the UAE, General Motors certified dealers use 3D configurators to make the car selection process even more exciting for potential buyers. For example, instead of just imagining a customized Camaro, customers can easily turn to a configurator and instantly personalize their car. This not only simplifies the selection process, but also adds an essential element of visualization.
International experience:
In other countries of the region, Lexus dealers are successfully using 3D configurators to help potential buyers visualize themselves behind the wheel of a brand new Lexus IS. This innovative technology not only makes the selection process more interesting, but also makes it easier for customers to make important decisions.
Benefits of cost reduction:
Efficient inventory management: European and Asian automakers are actively using 3D configurators to accurately manage their inventories. The automotive markets in these regions are the largest and most competitive, and manufacturers understand that providing customers with interactive configuration options helps them accurately predict and manage demand. This reduces transportation and operating costs, since dealers purchase only those models that are in demand from customers.
Space saving: 3D configurators significantly reduce the need to store packaged car lots. By collecting data on consumer preferences, dealers can purchase more popular models, reducing inventory management costs and freeing up storage space.
Saving on photos and maintenance: Creating digital 3D copies of car models eliminates the need for lengthy photo shoots and maintenance of these photos. This not only reduces the costs associated with traditional image creation, but also speeds up the process of providing relevant and interesting visualization of cars.
Increasing customer engagement:
Interactive features: 3D configurators provide potential buyers with the opportunity not only to customize the car in real time, but also to imagine a future trip more fully. This creates a unique experience that allows customers to evaluate the appearance, style and capabilities of the car, as well as conduct a virtual tour complemented by familiar places.
Engaging consumers with 3D configurators allows manufacturers to collect valuable data about customer preferences. This information not only helps to optimize production, but also creates the opportunity for more customized offers and marketing strategies.
Reducing the cost of attracting customers:
Marketing efficiency: 3D configurators reduce the cost of attracting new customers. It is easier to attract buyers in the market, those who are already ready to buy, using interactive tools. This reduces the time and financial costs of moving potential customers through the sales funnel.
Attracting attention: Using 3D configurators at an early stage of research helps to attract the attention of customers by giving them the opportunity to visualize and customize their ideal car. This early contact supports a cycle of positive feedback and makes the client more inclined to provide information about their preferences.
Game engines in the video game industry and their impact:
The development of the video game industry and the advent of game engines have changed the approach to creating interactive content. In the past, video game design was available mainly to programmers. However, with the advent of game engines, including the Unreal Engine and Unity 3D, creative professionals from various fields can implement their ideas without deep programming knowledge.
Game engines in the automotive industry:
Automakers, realizing the power of game engines, began using them to create digital 3D images of car models. This has become especially important in the context of photo production for marketing, where speed and realism play a key role.
Unity 3D and Unreal Engine in the automotive industry:
Among the various game engines on the market, Unity 3D and Unreal Engine stand out as the most powerful. Both platforms provide a wide range of tools for 3D rendering, interactive ing, and other graphical capabilities. These tools have become key in creating outstanding 3D configurators for car manufacturers.
The role of the cloud in digital transformation:
In the modern era of cloud technology, providing access to data and 3D models through the cloud is becoming a key factor. This ensures the democratization of data, making it more accessible and easily manageable, especially for marketers and those who previously did not have deep knowledge in the field of 3D design.
Conversions using 3D technologies:
The introduction of a 3D configurator into the automotive industry is similar to installing a drive shaft in an engine. To be effective, the configurator must be integrated into the sales process, encouraging customers to purchase after visually familiarizing themselves with the models. This implies the use of scalable and user-friendly publishing platforms.
Positive changes in the approach to digital transformation:
The time when companies preferred outsourcing of digital projects is gradually becoming a thing of the past. This has ceased to be just a management decision and has become a long-term risk for companies seeking to remain competitive. For automakers, the introduction of their own 3D technologies is becoming a key factor in successful digital transformation.
The main conclusions:
3D car configurators developed using powerful game engines are revolutionizing the automotive industry. Innovative 3D configurators reduce costs, increase engagement and create unique opportunities for digital marketing. With the development of technology and changing approaches to digital transformation, the future of 3D configurators promises even more innovations. Cloud platforms, scalable solutions and integration into the sales process will play a key role in the development of this area. However, the main factor will remain the use of powerful game engines that ensure the quality and realism of the visualization. 3D car configurators are becoming an integral part of the modern automotive industry, and their evolution will continue to meet the needs of customers and the demands of the digital age.
At Tvodo, we create the best 3D configurators in all areas of the market, you can see them in more detail here. If your company needs a high-quality custom 3D configurator, contact Tvodo.
