GM has already announced a partnerhsip with Google to enable the use of Google Maps on the screen-based nav systems in their vehicles, including the Chevy Volt. Now the company has announced plans to cooperate with another digital powerhouse. GM and Micorsoft are cooperating to create a virtual Chevy Volt driving experience using Microsoft’s upcoming Kinect technology. The Kinect system is a new extension for the X-Box gaming system in which users interact with objects on the screen without the use of a controller. The system recognizes the gamer and his gestures through sensors and that information is then used to render the on-screen experience.
When the system arrives in the fall, the Chevy Volt will appear in the Microsoft X-Box 360 ‘Kinect Joy Ride’ game. It will also appear on Windows 7 spartphones, and MSN Autos even sooner. X-Box Kinect users who first view a Volt video ad on their console will then be able to unlock the Volt gaming experience. The ad campaign will start this summer and may also appear in kiosks at various events.
“The Volt applies advanced environmental technology to give Chevrolet drivers freedom from the gas pump, making it one of the most exciting developments the automotive industry has seen in years,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “Our marketing campaign needs to reflect this.
“Kinect allows us to bring the excitement of the showroom to the living rooms of our customers,” Campbell said. “It’s a way for us to replicate the experience of physically engaging with a product that is essential to the customer’s purchasing decision.”
Once inside the game players can custom design their Volt on a special microsite and then take it for a virtual joy ride in the game using their hands to simulate turning the steering wheel and moving the shifter.
So for those who wonder when GM will finally begin to seriously advertise the Volt it looks like the time is upon us, and for a while in most of the country, this game may be the only way to have a Volt anyway. Let’s hope not for too long.
Check out the GM video below:
(GM)
+4
Jun 22nd, 2010 (7:52 pm)Why is GM spending all this money on advertising if no one is going to be able to buy one because of limited quantities.
+6
Jun 22nd, 2010 (7:52 pm)A convertible Volt!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
If it were only that easy to design your own Volt.
+3
Jun 22nd, 2010 (7:55 pm)I’m sure this appeals to a certain demographic, but I don’t find it that interesting. I don’t spend much time on video game type stuff. I think it’s not a convincing way to get a feel for a car any more that I can play test a musical instrument over the web. This just makes me yawn.
+7
Jun 22nd, 2010 (8:10 pm)As a tech savvy 32 year old here are my thoughts. I like to stay optimistic so I’ll look for the positives. Who is this being directed towards? 13 to 30 year olds who are techies. I myself am interested in the Volt more because of it’s technology than anything else. Since the Volt is the most advanced car under 40,000 you could possibly buy it may be a good thing to focus one sector of the marketing at those who enjoy tech the most. This demographic probably is more willing to be an early adopter and perhaps has an above average income. Also, even if you’re 13 I’m sure GM is hoping in 7 years they are selling hundreds of thousands of Volts a year, so it can’t hurt to hook em while they’re young. Like the cigarette companies did.
For this, even though I’m a PS3 guy not a Xbox guy, and although at first glance I winced, I give the plan a thumbs up.
+5
Jun 22nd, 2010 (8:10 pm)Ahhh, this reminds me of when I was young. Remember the phrase, “If it’s too loud, you are too old.”? Stever, you are too old!
LOL. This is geared toward they young, who are idealistic and like this crap. Hopefully they will dream of owning there very own Volt which they designed when they are older. Kinda like my dream of owning a BOSS 302 Mustang when I was 8 years old. Loved the commercials. Unfortunately I never got my Pony! 
It was gone by the time I got old enough. Damn, now I am bummed out! I hope these kids get there dream Volt!
Jun 22nd, 2010 (8:13 pm)The best I can say about this is that GM isn’t completely ignoring the Volt. But they appear to have recovered from the lame Volt dancers only to double down on dumb! Just kidding, kind of.
If this had come out after an ad boasting ’40 miles all electric, then drive all day on E85′ with a video of the Volt ripping around corners in the Rockies, with the driver and his girlfriend/wife hauling a ton of luggage out of the back of the Volt at their mountain cabin, then maybe I would actually be happy to see a video like that above.
Jun 22nd, 2010 (8:17 pm)This should bode well for the resale value of used Volts
+3
Jun 22nd, 2010 (8:29 pm)Darn it, I’m scarred for life.
I can’t get those freakin’ Chevy dancers out of my head whenever I hear upbeat music and see a Volt at the same time.
Where is a resident Voltiatrist when I need one?
+2
Jun 22nd, 2010 (8:35 pm)I don,t get it what is wrong with LOWEST OPERATING COST ON EARTH. and a nice reliable car to.
Tom
+1
Jun 22nd, 2010 (8:40 pm)…in most of the country, this game may be the only way to have a Volt anyway.
Is this good?
+7
Jun 22nd, 2010 (8:40 pm)Wonderful, now just build and sell the cars please!
+3
Jun 22nd, 2010 (8:49 pm)I’m an EV enthusiast… and the Chevrolet Volt Simulator was my idea.
+2
Jun 22nd, 2010 (8:54 pm)Volt video game…I think the game will be the closest that I will be able to get to a Volt.
+1
Jun 22nd, 2010 (9:03 pm)See, i wasn’t joking
I mentioned something like this back in 2009 (as well as a few others).
(I still want a flash site though. I don’t plan to buy an X-box)
————————-
kdawg Says
Dec 8th, 2009 (8:15 am) Sweet video. Thanks. I didnt know about the rear view camera..nice. Hopefully GM makes a flash website where everyone can try things on the new info displays and start to learn them.
http://gm-volt.com/2009/12/08/chevy-volt-test-drive-the-video/
+3
Jun 22nd, 2010 (9:03 pm)Well, I must be in the entirely wrong demographic. I play games and I want a Volt AND I’m well over 50!
/ Oh wait. It’s only me in this demographic.
+1
Jun 22nd, 2010 (9:39 pm)LOL. Sure, it might make people younger than me aware of the Volt’s existence. I said it would appeal to a certain demographic. I might be more impressed if I was a marketing guy. Even then, how clever do you have to be to say “Gee, let’s use this new entertainment and multimedia stuff to advertise our product.” ? I already know what the thing is. The new advertising venue isn’t going to tell me anything I don’t already know; until they tell us something like the MSRP or final specs. I just care much less about the ad campaign than I do about the actual product, availability and cost.
+2
Jun 22nd, 2010 (9:40 pm)Y’alls missing the forest for the trees! You might have just seen the optional wheels for the Volt, plus this is the first time I’ve seen the Volt in the crystal red metallic (or whatever they call the official red color announced for the Volt).
+1
Jun 22nd, 2010 (9:44 pm)Well I guess it’s better than no advertising at all !
Hey that Volt=PC / Leaf=Mac saying is coming true!
Go EV!!!
+2
Jun 22nd, 2010 (10:13 pm)Sounds about right. The PC owns 90% of the market.
+2
Jun 22nd, 2010 (10:15 pm)It’s like they’ve put new wine in old bottles. The Nissan Leaf ad on the iPhone was compelling. This not so much.
And when are they going to lose that lame upbeat music. It reminds you of nothing if not the bad music that plays at the end of a movie when they roll the credits. Maybe GM paid a one time fee so they can use it over and over and over and over and over (whoops the music is in my head). God it’s bad!
+2
Jun 22nd, 2010 (10:26 pm)Do you think that M/S will make a version for the Ford SYNC system????
Let me get this straight. I can actually control a Volt with an Android based phone, but I can pretend to drive a Volt on a M/S version 7 based phone! Is that about it????
I think I will go for the Android phone…………..
IMHO, it would make more sense for GM to just build the cars!!!!!
What is the next ad? Will the PC guy in a Volt drive by the MAC guy stuck by the side of the road with his Leaf with no more power left in the batteries?
Jun 22nd, 2010 (10:28 pm)I can’t help but feel like this approach is suppose to be some kind of passifier. The music was o.k. but did not get me excited. Obviously I can’t comment on the video, except if potential buyers can create their volt with their options, that might kind-of help make the dream of one day owning a Volt just a little more of a reality. For me, I’d rather have a scale model that I can touch and show off.
Jun 22nd, 2010 (10:45 pm)See you guys Thursday. Maybe.
Jun 22nd, 2010 (11:45 pm)I hope we can consider this confirmation the VOLT will be available in “Crystal Red Metallic”… Excellent!
Jun 22nd, 2010 (11:49 pm)Funnn! The virtual Volt will have to do for now until I can get my hands on the 3-D, real-world version.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:11 am)So, if you decide not to get a Leaf because, well, the Volt is where your real money will go, then Microsoft has an idea for your 99 bucks, huh.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:51 am)Have we not heard that quote some where else in the Microsoft world ?????
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:54 am)Will this give a new chapter to the Mac – PC wars ?????
Jun 23rd, 2010 (1:08 am)Just what am I going to throw at the screen when this undoubtedly frustrating system totally misinterprets my motions and I find I am failing miserably?
Will the 8 year olds that play that game take any notice of the vehicle they are driving? Do they make enough to be able to afford one? Will they be disappointed that the real Volt doesn’t shoot fire out the back (doesn’t seem environmentally friendly anyways). And do they even live in one of the release markets?
Perhaps it would be different if any of this looked useful. But it all looks like technology for the sake of technology. Note to MS: The iPad/iPhone/etc. motions make sense because the device is close at hand and it doesn’t have a mouse. Why would I want to be reaching across my desk, flapping my arms around at a touch screen (that I don’t yet own) when I have a wheel mouse? Nor does your weak attempt to out-Wii the Wii impress me.
Perhaps there are other ways to spend your resources, GM, than targeting the wrong market with the wrong tools?
Jun 23rd, 2010 (1:17 am)If you care about the lowest operating cost then you should care about the lowest overall cost of ownership (as it is more important). That isn’t the Volt. Not even close. I thought we had gotten past these types of claims/arguments?
As the Volt has both ICE and EV components it is bound to be exponentially more complex than either. Time will tell if it will be reliable, but based on complexity (let alone GM’s average/sub-average reliability history) one should expect that the Volt will be less reliable than average. (I know we have seen a number stories recently about the testing that GM has done with the Volt, but don’t assume for a moment that GM’s other less-than-reliable vehicles didn’t undergo similar testing, or that most all other automakers don’t put their vehicles through similar tests.)
Sorry to be such a downer, but can we at least try to be realistic? When someone has to resort to incorrect claims to make a case, one begins to wonder about the merits of their case.
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (1:20 am)This isn’t advertising. This is “halo-ing”.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (1:39 am)Interesting deep red color for the Volt. Wife likes Viridian Joule. My favorite is white. Looks good in all colors.
=D-Volt
Jun 23rd, 2010 (1:43 am)Whatever gets them to the dealership with a checkbook in hand…
Jun 23rd, 2010 (3:53 am)Two words:
)
Gran Turismo. The only driving simulator I want to drive a Volt on is Gran Turismo. Everything else is just kind of a cheesy game, IMHO. (Well, I’d rather drive a real Volt but in the meantime, a highly accurate simulation would be cool
And Polyphonic will apparently do demo discs with just the car you’re trying to sell. There’ve been demo discs for BMW, Nissan, etc. Toyota commissioned one in 2004 for the Prius, too:
(From wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gran_Turismo_(series) )
In the summer of 2004, Toyota sent a demo disc of GT4 along with a marketing brochure for its 2004 Prius hybrid car by way of customer request from their web site.[3] The demo was also given out at a presentation of the Toyota MTRC at the New York International Auto Show. The demo disc featured only two cars, namely the Prius and the Toyota MTRC concept car.
The Volt is not a toy. It’s a serious vehicle deserving a serious simulation if one is to be done.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (3:55 am)How ’bout a simple little web site where people with check books sign up for a Volt and pick a dealer, it’s been done before and it seems to work. I love gaming, but as an old guy that knows the XBox systems are highly youth oriented, this is not a way to spend money to generate car sales.
Sign ‘em up, send them to a dealer and start assigning tasks for the 2013 and Gen II Volt marketing. Close the books on marketing for the current MY and and move on. Who is it that decided spending far more time money and effort on marketing (to eight year olds and Jr high school kids?) than you need to actually generate sales is a good idea?
What model year is all this aimed at anyway? Is it aimed at early adopters? Does the demographic data support that…I’m making a lot of assertions without any supporting facts because inquiring minds want to know, is this helping or hurting the Volt’s future?
At this point I’m not convinced I personally want to interact with vehicles in new ways and share my experiences. Though I do want to buy a dang Volt.
The good news – the red and black Volts look great. Good to see them with possible production wheels. I don’t need wallpapers, games, re-imagining car experience websites or ringtones though, what I need is a Volt.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (4:52 am)VW leading electric charge into China
From:caradvice.com.auJune 22, 2010
Volkswagen is continuing its aggressive march into China’s new vehicle market, this week displaying a hybrid and three electric vehicles at its 2010 E-workshop in Shanghai.
The Volkswagen Lavida Blue-e-motion was developed entirely by Volkswagen Shanghai specifically for the Chinese market.
The zero-emission small sedan is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack and has a range of 130km to 150km. Production is set to start within the next two months.
I have included the link so you can see this beautiful functional car .
Jun 23rd, 2010 (4:56 am)Perspective of a long-time member of (though infrequent contributor to) this blog…how far have things come that now the discussion centers on the appropriateness of Volt advertising…
On that point would expect this will be just one of many approaches GM will use as delivery date approaches. While some have been impatient in the face of Nissan’s media blitz about Leaf, I have a hunch GMwill do an effective advertising ramp-up. May be focused initially on the three rollout markets, but should be decent and tailored to the Volt’s uniqueness.
Anyway, quite a change from the days of arguing the relative merits of the concept vs production designs, yes?
Jun 23rd, 2010 (4:59 am)The Ampera looks very good in white. Notice the sleek side view mirrors. New videos of the Volt show Cruze mirrors. (why?)
Frank Weber talks about the Ampera.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbjX6_GFpIo
=D-Volt
Jun 23rd, 2010 (5:20 am)Jeffhre said:
What model year is all this aimed at anyway? Is it aimed at early adopters? Does the demographic data support that…I’m making a lot of assertions without any supporting facts because inquiring minds want to know, is this helping or hurting the Volt’s future?
Maybe it’s aimed at families buying a minivan -spelled MPV5?-
How many people buy a minivan without their kids approval! Yesss! I’ll take mine with extra jump seats in the cargo area.
+2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (6:14 am)When I first saw the title, I was thinking of the Sync Car stereo.
Oh well. I don’t own an X-Box and won’t so that is life for me.
I’m looking forward to driving the real Volt.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:05 am)Convertible 4 door Volt?
I like it!
+2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:09 am)Sounds like Bill Gates is looking to get one of the first Volts.
NPNS!
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:16 am)I am here with you
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:21 am)#3
Amen. +1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:56 am)I love how all the automakers are marketing to the gamers…i just wish someone would mention that their eyes need to be on the road and not on some stupid screen while driving!
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:58 am)Too bad there won’t be any Volts at the dealership.
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:03 am)Amen, brother. GM- How about selling the few vehicles you are planning to build? I will gladly buy from a Michigan or DC dealer. How do I find out which dealers will have cars for sale?
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:06 am)Jeffhre’s quote was: How ’bout a simple little web site where people with check books sign up for a Volt and pick a dealer, it’s been done before and it seems to work.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:46 pm)#8
Alas, it seems like Tagamet is on some sort of hiatus. At least I sure hope that’s all it is.
Or maybe you really need a “Voltergeist”?
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:54 pm)WTF… But I guess its a start. Huge marketing and advertising firms should be killing themselves to get this account. They must have more planned for the near future. Looking forward to a full out blitz.
Would take that convertible in a heartbeat. Would save me the time of sawing off the roof of my volt.
Thanks Lyle.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (3:31 pm)I’m fine with whatever advertising they try, so long as it’s not a dance number. I just want to know why the Volt in the picture is on fire?
Jun 23rd, 2010 (4:31 pm)Does Bill Gates really have a red Volt convertible?
Do you think he would let me borrow his car?
I want to check out his hubcaps…
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:01 pm)The only demographic I can see this appealing to is rich tween nerds. Wish I was rich.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:42 pm)Red looks nice. Ours will be Joule. Can’t believe they won’t launch with a blue color as that’s what we wanted. The blue on the concept mvp volt earlier this year looked excellent!
Jun 24th, 2010 (5:13 am)Me too.
+1
Jun 24th, 2010 (5:23 am)Nicely done supportive advertising for Volt. Remember gents, the goal is electrification of transport. Anything that speeds that goal along is a positive action.
This could be a great partnership between automotive and the world’s leading software company. Onward GM and Chevrolet Volt!! (note the use of the “official” nomenclature. )
Jun 24th, 2010 (8:57 am)What, advertising for the Volt?
EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!