from Consumer Reports: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/car...encourage.html


Scion encourages us to get a Second Life

The countdown is on to the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, with our coverage scheduled to begin on February 7th--the first media preview day. In covering the major auto shows, we give you an early look at future production models and concept vehicles. This online experience is the next best thing to sneaking you in with a media badge.

Secondlife_xb_001 For Chicago, Scion is taking the "virtual" show experience concept a step further, into the metaverse. Scion will introduce the second-generation xB and the all-new xD on Thursday, the 8th, to the attending media and remotely, through Second Life, a three-dimensional online world with almost three million registered users. The first 500 Second Life members who register for this media-only event will be able to participate in the virtual press conference. Scion enthusiasts will be able to view footage from the event on the scion.com site the following day.

Secondlife_xb_004 Scion is among the first automakers to use the rapidly expanding Second Life realm as a marketing tool, with its own island, called Scion City. Scion has sold over 500 virtual vehicles in SL since
the launch of Scion City last November. Cost for an xA, xB, or tC is 300 Lindens, the virtual currency. Translation: about $1.20 in the real world, depending on the current exchange rate.

The youth-targeted brand has succeeded by generating buzz through this effort, and numerous other marketing endeavors. However, this seems like a near-miss opportunity to reach Scion enthusiasts, rather than what may be a small number of media who would use Second Life to view the press conference.

We have driven cars in Second Life, and, of course, they do not compare against real cars, or even those in console-based video games. However, the online interaction can provide some insights, and the automakers realize that the experience will generate interest and potentially affinity.

Ultimately, we know that the auto show insights you expect, and deserve, require us to see, touch, and experience the vehicles themselves. As the parody site getafirstlife.com conveys, there is nothing better than the real thing. Look for our real impressions live from the show, in February.

Scion City and Pontiac's Motorati City can be found in Second Life through the Search function.

--Jeff Bartlett

 

thats pretty cool that they're offering that.
i've actually never heard of secondlife, sounds cool though.

 

I have to much to do in my 1st life, that I don't have time to waste in a virtual chat room. 2nd life is just not that interesting to me, if I want to hang out with friends, I give them a call to hang out or something, not chat with them on the computer. And if I want to test drive a scion, driving one on 2nd life is like driving a car on an Atari lynx, just not that fun, when you can drive cars on an Xbox 360, or in person.

I did download it after I heard about the scion Chicago auto show etc, but got tired with it after about 5 min. I did test drive a tC, just to check it out, and say I gave it a try. Just not that cool. Maybe I am not the age they are trying to go for on 2nd life? Maybe others will enjoy it more? I know some people spend 4-6 hours a day or more on 2nd life, but like I said I have a life, don't need a 2nd one.

 

eeh... social networking, like MYSPACE :shudder:

 

^^agreed!

 

This is not the first time I have been told to get a life............

 

I just want one for Scion City. But you HAVE to put in CC info just to get one.

 

Scion encourages us to get a Second Life -- But most of those with second lives don't even have a life to begin with! ;] hahaha... so you can say that their second life is their first.

im confusing myself. time for a nap,
- sh00k

 

SecondLife is pretty overrated.. you have to have just the right computer (and then some) for it if you want it to function without getting impatient waiting for a simple image to load. Trust me, it isn't worth it. For those who do have the perfect computer for SL, I think it's a decent way to reach people. The first time I heard about Scion was in Home Depot.. we were looking at getting a new car and it was pretty much shoved in my face while we were walking down an isle.. an entire book about the xA. So... I guess do whatever it takes to promote and sell Scion... SL is probably not the best way, but whatever moves them!

 

Installing mods on my tC IS my second life! I still have so much to install.



I'm still excited to see the new models! Cool info nonetheless cherry.

 

I had never heard of secondlife either, until my wife was playing around on it. That same night Darren posted the Chicago Auto Show news relating secondlife, so I went and checked it out. The ScionCity part is pretty cool. Lots of wierd custom Scions parked around. Also, you can test drive a Scion, and with a premium account you can own a Scion in second life.

 

you can look at some more videos on youtubes. Here are some of the links
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWZ4iBiiVvs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnPGZomlIzc

 

I just like beer... is that wrong?

 

that is the stupidest thing I have ever seen. Like a modern poorly made WoW. The only thing I wonder. Why? I'd much rather go out with my real friends in my real town with my real scion then go out into a virtual town with my virtual scion.

 

For some reason I downloaded it, how do I get to the Scion stuff?

 

Cool...

 

Those of you putting down sites like second life and myspace are funny, especially considering you waste you time on a blog site such as this... I agree though, second life does sound like a waste of time, and myspace is equally a waste of time. I prefer facebook because it's a little more controlled and helps me keep in contact with friends that no longer live near by. I admit it, I have time to waste every now and then.

 

Sweet I got accepted, I'll tell you guys how it is.

 

I use scion life to see new thing going on with scion or how to fix a problem/install with my car, not to hang out with friends and chat. Kind of like using a consumer report website, or motor trend.(I'm not spending hours a day on this site. I also still prefer using a phone to talk to old friends that live out of state. and email to send pics, video, links or a quick message. not that there is anything wrong with using facebook.

Although One could also say the same about people who watch tv from 7pm-11pm after work, or playing video games. It's all in how you like to spend your time, or money. I guess as long as people are having a good time, real or virtual, its all good.

I would have more fun driving cars around on the xbox 360s test drive unlimited, and talking to other drivers with the head set, but it would still be more fun to drive than to talk to people while racing around Hawaii. and the graphics are better, "more realistic"

 

It's OK... nothing really cool, but kinda neet to see the scions around in there.... here's a decent screenshot I took....