On September 15, 2024, Alibaba's Taobao app introduced an innovative feature that allows users to take virtual test drives of Xiaomi's SU7 electric sedan using Apple's Vision Pro headset. This update leverages extended-reality (XR) technology, enabling users to explore the car's details and experience driving at speeds exceeding 140 mph. This initiative aims to enhance the online shopping experience for larger items, particularly in the automotive sector [6af4ba38].
The SU7 has seen significant market traction, with Xiaomi delivering over 27,000 units from April to June 2024, and the company is targeting sales of over 100,000 units for the year. The introduction of virtual test drives is expected to bolster these sales figures, especially as competition heats up with other electric vehicle manufacturers like BYD, Nio, Xpeng, and Volkswagen [6af4ba38].
This development comes on the heels of other advancements in China's tech landscape, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital services. For instance, Ant Group recently launched Zhixiaobao, an AI personal assistant app that integrates with Alipay, allowing users to manage a variety of tasks through a single platform. Similarly, Zhihu has introduced its AI-powered feature, Zhida, which utilizes its extensive content archive to generate answers to user inquiries, reflecting the rapid advancements in AI technology in China [3cbe2482][966c1cb4].
As the automotive industry increasingly embraces digital solutions, Alibaba's move to incorporate virtual reality into the car-buying process signifies a significant shift in consumer engagement strategies. This not only enhances the shopping experience but also positions Alibaba as a key player in the intersection of e-commerce and automotive technology [6af4ba38].