FRANKLIN, Tenn. -

Go ahead: Stretch your arms, lean over and kick the tires, all at the dealership, and all on a vehicle that’s yet to be launched.

Nissan announced this week it is offering its dealers across 13 states the chance to market cars in an all-new way, using Microsoft’s Kinect for Windows technology. Shoppers at these dealerships can hop into a virtual 2013 Pathfinder and explore the SUV using motion and natural human gestures, despite the fact that the car isn’t in showrooms yet.

Nissan reports that more than 71 percent of U.S. consumers use the Internet to compare vehicle brands and models, select features and investigate financing options. Many, the company said, will use an online vehicle configurator to “build” a customized version of their ideal car, then make a trip to the dealership to see the car in person. Now, using Kinect’s Natural User Interface, or NUI, they won’t necessarily have to.

‘“Kicking the tires’ is a critical step in a consumer’s car buying process,” said Jon Brancheau, vice president of marketing for Nissan North America. “People want to see the cars first. It’s a visceral thing. See it. Touch it. Drive it.

"But what happens if the dealer doesn’t have that dream car on the lot, or that car has not been produced yet?" Brancheau continued. "How many sales are left on the table when they can’t put their customer in the desired car, and make the critical physical connection to close the deal?”

Using Kinect’s NUI to examine the 2013 Pathfinder, which is scheduled for worldwide release this fall, shoppers at participating dealerships can check out the car’s exterior, customize colors, bend down and inspect the wheels, view the front and back, and even step inside to experience the upholstery, legroom, entertainment system and other details.

Nissan will roll out the Pathfinder Kinect Experience to 16 Nissan dealerships, each outfitted with a Kinect for Windows-based kiosk, a computer, a TV and all essential hardware and software. Shoppers will be able to explore the features of the 2013 Pathfinder by following a tutorial that guides them through an array of natural movements that simulate exploring an actual car.

“Nissan is one of the first automakers to use Kinect for Windows technology in its dealerships,” said Brancheau. “We are committed to driving innovation not only in the design of our vehicles, but also in how we go to market. The Pathfinder application using Kinect for Windows is a game changer in terms of the way we can engage with our customers.

“We’re taking our marketing to the next level, creating experiences that enhance the act of discovery, and generating excitement about new models before they’re even available," he continued. "It’s a powerful pre-sales tool that has the potential to redefine the way consumers think about the dealer experience.”

The dealership pilot program runs through the end of November. Pending its success, Nissan said it may extend the Kinect for Windows experience to its 1,100 dealerships nationwide.

Chris Gokiert, president of Critical Mass, said, “We believe Kinect for Windows’ NUI is an interaction model for the future. For the past 16 years, we’ve been designing experiences for clicks, then touches, then swipes with the advent of iPhone and iPad. Now, we’re pioneering the first phase of experiences that have both consumer appeal because they’re richer and respond to natural human gestures and voice, but also commercial relevance because they can fulfill a critical role in fueling leads and actually helping to drive sales on site.”

Xtime Chosen for Online Service Scheduling

In other Nissan news this week, it was announced that the company has selected Xtime’s ServiceCRM platform to exclusively power its One to One online service scheduling program for the entire U.S. market.

This service will enable Nissan service customers to book appointments online around the clock, using their computers, tablets or smartphones.

Nissan North America said it will subsidize the entire subscription cost of ServiceCRM for all of its 1,100 U.S. dealers, ensuring that car owners have online access to the entire Nissan dealer network, to schedule services from the Nissan owner portal, One to One service reminder program or directly from a dealer’s website.

“We’re thrilled to help Nissan improve both the customer experience and profitability of its dealers’ fixed operations,” said Neal East, chief executive officer of Xtime. “We built ServiceCRM and our leading-edge tablet solution, ServiceTab, for organizations like Nissan that want to enable its dealers to provide a service experience that meets consumers’ increasingly demanding expectations.

“Nissan has shown its commitment to our platform and is looking to add enhancements as its needs grow,” said East. “It wants its dealers to have the best tools available for staying connected with customers via whatever communications channel they choose, whether digital, mobile or telematics.”

Nissan North America will roll out the program to all of its U.S. dealerships starting Monday.