Arctic Cat first powersport OEM utilizing virtual reality

Samsung Gear VR allows consumers to experience riding in an incredibly realistic, 360-degree virtual reality world.

Customer interacting with virtual reality headset.
“This remarkable technology brings a virtual demo ride experience to consumers without leaving our event display or showroom floor,” said Greg Williamson, Arctic Cat chief marketing officer. Photo courtesy Twitter/Arctic Cat

Arctic Cat Inc. is the first powersport OEM taking event marketing to places unseen by most off-road and snowmobiling enthusiasts, with a fully immersive, virtual ride via the Arctic Cat 360 experience featuring Samsung Gear VR headsets powered by Oculus.

Samsung Gear VR headsets allow consumers visiting Arctic Cat event displays and dealerships to feel the heart-pumping adrenaline of steep drops, hill climbs and off-camber riding via an Arctic Cat snowmobile or Wildcat™ UTV in an incredibly realistic, 360-degree virtual reality world.

“This remarkable technology brings a virtual demo ride experience to consumers without leaving our event display or showroom floor. This is one more way we are providing the Ultimate Off-Road Riding Experience,” said Greg Williamson, Arctic Cat chief marketing officer. “Arctic Cat launched the snowmobile virtual reality ride along with pro backcountry snowmobilers, Rob Kincaid and David McClure, in March at our snowmobile dealer show. In every region of North America where we have displayed this snowmobile-focused VR experience, the success has been amazing. This has led us to launch a second Wildcat ride along with Tony Stewart. Experiencing virtual reality, together with our other event activation touch points, has continued to drive customer conversion to Arctic Cat products.”

Today, the company launches the new Arctic Cat 360 Wildcat VR experience, featuring Tony Stewart, at Rally on the Rocks in Moab, UT. Drivers are the co-pilots in their own Wildcat side-by-side, as they buckle in for some of the world’s best rock climbing and red sand riding that Utah has to offer. Taking in the views around them, riders will traverse a variety of terrain obstacles including rocks and sand while ascending to the top of a Grand Canyon-esque overlook.

Visit the Arctic Cat Events page to find an event near you or ask for VR at your local Arctic Cat dealer.

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