Ford Motor Co. unveiled its new virtual reality app with a piece about the Ford GT's recent win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
There’s nothing like being there, but since most folks couldn’t make it to France to see the Ford GT’s triumphant return to Le Mans, the maker is providing the next best thing: virtually being there though its new VR app.
The automaker unveiled its new app, which can be downloaded by Apple and Android users alike, takes viewers through the company’s win at this year’s 24 Hour of Le Mans. The new app delivers a powerful storytelling platform for consumers and fans to experience Ford innovations like never before.
“We are very excited about this opportunity to provide truly immersive experiences that showcase the best of Ford Motor Co.,” says Lisa Schoder, Ford digital marketing manager. “Our virtual reality platform allows us to tell dramatic, impactful stories, to show a surprising side of Ford.”
Using VR goggle, including simple cardboard versions, Ford racing and GT fans can watch the EcoBoost-powered beast roar to first place. If you don’t’ have a viewer, but still want to see how things played out, a trip to YouTube will solve that problem.
“Just as Ford GT goes beyond the traditional at Ford, our entry into virtual reality content creation demonstrates how our passion for innovation permeates every piece of our business and offers a new touch point for tech-savvy consumers to connect with our brand,” said Schoder.
Ford has a long history of being on the leading edge of technology, it needed some help to get this accomplished. The maker partnered with Tool of North America, a leader in virtual reality and 360-degree content and mobile app creation, and has captured awards, including Emmys, The One Show, South by Southwest, AICP and the Cannes Lions Palme d’Or.
Just as it did 50 years ago, Ford took the checkered flag at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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Fortunately, the company’s leader, Erich Joiner, is a racing fan and wanted to make sure users of the Ford app were able to enjoy a completely new experience.
“For the innovative Ford GT, I wanted to create something that gives people an exciting virtual reality experience beyond the traditional,” he said.
“I wanted to use the immersive technology not only to transport them to a new place, but to take them where only a special few from the Ford racing team typically go – inside the famed track at Le Mans.”
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The Ford virtual reality app is accessible to anyone with a mobile device. Each piece of content offers users the option to experience it with a virtual reality headset, but headsets are not mandatory.
Ford virtual reality app users can expect the next story to debut in September, featuring Hoonigan Racing’s Ken Block and Ford Focus RS RX. Users with their push notifications turned on will get the update when new content goes live.
The new virtual reality platform goes beyond showcasing Ford Performance vehicles.
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“On top of sharing virtual reality stories about our innovative products, we are also looking to bring mobility issues to the forefront,” says Schoder. “As we expand our business to be both an auto and a mobility company, we are pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility.”