Re-igniting excitement in automotive electric learning

As electric vehicles become mainstream, many automotive training programmes still struggle with the same problem. Product knowledge is easy to distribute, but excitement is not. When Opel relaunched its high-performance GSE (Grand Sport Electric) sub-brand with the Mokka GSE, the objective was not simply to explain features or specifications. The ambition was to help thousands of sales consultants across Europe genuinely feel what electric performance means, and to carry that feeling into customer conversations. VPS was asked to design a learning experience that could reframe electric vehicles as emotional, powerful and fun, while also scaling efficiently across multiple countries and languages.

Rather than building a conventional eLearning module, VPS took a very different approach. The training was designed as a cinematic, story-led rally experience in which learners take on the role of a co-driver navigating a series of stages. From the opening sequence, the experience sets a distinct tone, using music, animation and motion to create momentum and anticipation. A rally map replaces the usual course menu, and progression through the content feels like movement rather than navigation. Knowledge checks are embedded as part of the story, with correct decisions allowing the learner to continue and incorrect ones resulting in a “crash out” of the rally. This design choice turns assessment into an emotional moment rather than a procedural task and keeps learners actively engaged throughout.

AI played a central role in enabling both realism and scale. A key feature of the programme is the presence of Calle Carlberg, a real Opel rally driver, who appears throughout the training as a guide and coach. Using AI avatar technology, VPS created a digital version of Calle based on his image and voice, allowing him to deliver explanations, encouragement and feedback across the course. Because the avatar represents a real person already featured in Opel’s motorsport and marketing activity, learners experience a strong sense of authenticity and trust. The same technology also enabled efficient multilingual delivery, with voice and video localisation making it possible to roll out a consistent, high-quality experience across European markets without the cost and complexity of repeated studio recording.

Beyond the avatar, AI supported the entire design and production process. It was used to prototype storyboards, visualise early concepts for stakeholder alignment, generate short cinematic sequences, and refine narrative tone. These tools allowed the team to iterate faster, test ideas earlier, and maintain a coherent thematic identity from concept through to launch. Importantly, AI was used to enhance creativity and human connection rather than replace it, supporting a learning experience that feels polished, intentional and human-centred.

From a learning design perspective, the programme balances emotion with substance. Opel’s motorsport heritage and its evolution into electric rally racing provide the narrative backbone, while product performance details, customer personas and competitive positioning are woven naturally into the story. Interactive activities encourage learners to explore vehicle features, compare competitors in rally-style challenges, and translate technical information into customer benefits. The result is a programme that avoids overwhelming learners with data, instead helping them internalise a story they can confidently retell in the showroom.

Early stakeholder feedback described the programme as one of the most engaging product trainings they had experienced, and as a strong example of how video and AI can be used meaningfully in learning. More importantly, it achieved its core objective. It reframed electric performance as something exciting, emotional and desirable, not just efficient or responsible. For VPS, the project demonstrates how learning design, technology and creativity can come together to deliver scalable, high-impact training that changes how people feel, not just what they know.

 

Contact us to see how VPS can help you design engaging, AI-enabled learning experiences that connect with your audience and deliver results.