Japanese carmakers Nissan and Toyota have joined the metaverse following the latter’s launch of virtual showrooms and virtual workspaces. The two carmakers join Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz in using the technology by establishing a presence in the metaverse.

According to a Nikkei Asia report, Nissan has put together a digital reality version of its Tokyo gallery Nissan Crossing, which can be used for vehicle launches and other events. Nissan Motor Corporation stated on its website that Invisible-to-Visible – an augmented reality interface that connects to the metaverse – has created “limitless possibilities for services and communications that will make driving more convenient,

Meanwhile, Toyota, one of the world’s largest carmakers, is reported to have created virtual workstations for some departments and subsidiaries. Employees participate in meetings at company meetings and also chat with each other through avatars.

According to the report, the parent company’s technical development and human resources team uses virtual workspaces. Also, the report said plans are being discussed to expand this.

Toyota representatives suggested that the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions on human movement may have contributed to the vehicle makers’ decision to launch virtual workspaces.

In response to the Coronavirus, more people are working from home, which is why “We have made it possible to provide young employees with communication options within the company,” says the unnamed representative of the carmaker.