[From Autonet; for more information see the press release “3M Debuts Interactive Virtual Presenter at South by Southwest Interactive; Digital Interactive Avatar Helps Conference Attendees Find Panels & More” at BusinessWire]

Virtual reality: at a dealership near you

Known as a “Virtual Presenter,” she was developed by a company called ELEAD in order to generate leads for dealerships.

Part iRobot, part salesperson, expect to see this lady at your local dealership in the very near future.

March 12th, 2013- Jack Kazmierski

The next time you stop by your local dealership, don’t be surprised if this attractive woman greets you and starts asking you questions. What will surprise you, however, is that she is not real. She is a projection (notice the projector over her left shoulder).

Known as a “Virtual Presenter,” she was developed by a company called ELEAD in order to generate leads for dealerships. You’ll find her in the showroom or in the waiting area when you come in for an oil change. Her job is to encourage you to take a test drive, input your vehicle information, provide an email address, etc. She works 24/7 and never needs a coffee break.

The ELEAD1ONE VIP Virtual Presenter, as she is officially known, was on display recently at the National Automobile Dealers Association’s annual conference in Orlando, Florida. Not only can a dealer program the Virtual Presenter to say whatever they’re like her to, but they can also choose from a number of clothing options, which means she might be dressed differently when you see her in your local dealership.