Using a personalised video deployed via a VR Gear headset and the latest Samsung S7 smartphone, 129 new Leon hatchbacks were presented to a group of drivers who will use the cars for field work with Blue Square, which delivers ‘retail theatre’ for Samsung, bringing products to life for consumers in-store.

The virtual handover covered all of the car’s features, from operating the major controls to the in-car technology including the latest Full Link infotainment system, ensuring a comprehensive handover through a visual medium that can be re-watched if necessary. As a further benefit, the technology reduced the time required to deliver the vehicles.

SEAT said the handover gives a strong indication of how technology could be used to enhance the delivery experience of cars to the next generation of connected drivers.

The carmaker announced its own partnership with Samsung at last year’s Mobile World Congress, showcasing a Leon with connectivity technology incorporated to alter the car’s ambient lighting, climate control settings, favourite music and even a greeting message upon entering the car, as well as the ability to lock and unlock the car doors using a smartwatch.

Peter McDonald, head of fleet & business sales at SEAT UK, commented: “It is a significant achievement to be selected by a technology-focused brand to deliver a fleet solution, and colleagues across our fleet operation have worked hard to ensure that Blue Square’s drivers have cars that exceed their expectations and a truly exciting start to their SEAT journey with a unique collection experience.”

Kate Wright of Volkswagen Financial Services added: “We worked closely with SEAT and Spire to fulfil the Blue Square’s brief of a ‘big reveal’ for the new Blue Square Marketing fleet in order to generate excitement with the drivers.

“This operation involved delivering all the vehicles in one go, as well as collecting all the returning fleet. The fleet of new cars was positioned away from the road so that it was a surprise for the arriving employees who came to collect their cars after a team meeting. The visual impact of more than 100 cars was not lost on the arriving drivers who gave a very positive response.”