Gamification is the new buzz word being used by corporates trying to engage customers with their technology. The goal is to get existing and potential customers talking about your products and needing your technology in their lives.
Fleetplus, a leading provider of novated and corporate leases, has turned to VR (Virtual Reality) as a way to introduce younger employees to novated leasing. It hopes that it will gain an edge over the other industry players still relying on old fashion brochures to sell the benefits of salary packaging.
Philip Clump, Director – Novated Leasing and Salary Packaging at Fleetplus, believes young people have a different attitude on vehicle ownership compared to previous generations which makes it harder to talk to them about novated leasing.
“We see it when we hold employee education sessions and attend trade shows”, say Clump. “The younger people aren’t asking questions about the numbers and don’t have the same passion for cars as Generation X”.
VR goggles are associated with teenagers and video gaming though they can provide businesses with a great way to educate employees and give them an onsite training experience at a lower cost.
Fleetplus is using VR to turn their novated lease education sessions into a virtual dealership. Employees attending the salary packaging information seminars can walk around a vehicle they are considering to purchase while being presented with a lease quote and potential savings.
“It’s a great way to show people multiple vehicle options in different colours where they can compare the costs and benefits easily and in a fun way” says Clump.
In Europe, Fleet Managers have used VR as a way to introduce drivers to new vehicles. Using technology is one way to engage drivers in the vehicle changeover process while introducing them to new technology and safety features.
Active and passive safety technologies are now standard on many base model fleet vehicles so drivers need to be trained on how to use them and recognise their limitations. Virtual Reality is one way to provide a consistent training experience and ensure fleet drivers are aware of the vehicle’s features before taking delivery.
Fleetplus acknowledges they are ahead of the game with the VR initiative. Most manufacturers don’t have the images available in the right format for them to use in their system. It has forced them to spend more time on development and limited the range of vehicles they can offer. But it hasn’t impacted the enjoyment of people that have experienced the system.
The VR experience is something Fleetplus will continue to develop because it’s an innovative way to gain the attention of younger workers that may never have considered vehicle ownership as an affordable option for them.
