"This car is WOW!" - INDIEV's Creators Studio Electrifies Influencers, Gamers, Fans and Families

The opening of the INDIEV's Creators Studio in Beverly Hills attracted experts in mobility electrification, social media influencers, VR gaming fans, politicians, industry executives and Auto Futures. The event illustrates how the company is innovating the marketing of electric vehicles to the social media generation and beyond.

INDISpace, INDIEV's Brand Experience Center, the home of the Creators Studio is on Wilshire Boulevard in the heart of Beverly Hills. In the front of the building is the iconic Charles Perry red abstract sculpture.

The exhibit space was filled with chairs for a 'Future of Electric Mobility' panel.

The panel discussed the future of electric vehicles and gave insight into some of the specs of the INDI ONE. Tom Gage, INDIEV's Head of Battery Systems, noted that the INDI One vehicles will have battery packs made with cylindrical lithium-ion batteries. Auto Futures learned that the company expects the standard INDI One (MSRP $45,000) model will qualify for a $7,500 rebate from the newly signed US "Inflation Reduction Act."

There is a separate lounge area with a serving counter and comfy chairs with tables. The Creators Studio is upstairs in the mezzanine.

City of Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse, Beverly Hills Chamber President Todd Johnson and Beverly Hills City Council members joined INDIEV executives to cut a ceremonial ribbon to open the studio.

Mayor Bosse commented about the INDI One: "This car is WOW!" She shook hands with INDIEV CEO, Shi Hai.

What Experiences Happen at INDISpace?

Bobby Bushell, Marketing, INDIEV described the functionality of the space.

"We're launching the INDIEV Brand Experience. It's a combination of being a showroom and an interactive experience. People can see the car and order it like a traditional dealership showroom. Because the car is similar to using a PC, we want to give people the opportunity to demo it. We have the simulator here, as well as a build of the car itself to give people the ability to experience the technology in the car." 

The simulator is connected to a VR headset and controls for playing games on the VIC (Vehicle Integrated Computer) in the INDI One.

The VR games are meant for passengers in the car to play while the car is driving. The games are developed so that the motion inside of the game matches the motion, adds Bushell.

The Creators Studio is designed for content creators and brand ambassadors. It will be used for workshops, events, and bringing together the creative visions of influencers, EV enthusiasts, and the Beverly Hills community, noted the invitation.

Who Was at the Creators Studio Opening?

The social media marketing strategy seems to be working for INDIEV. A flock of social media influencers in slick attire were streaming their presence at the event. There was a long queue going up to the mezzanine where selfie stations were ready with various kinds of exotic lighting that were irresistible to the influencers and Mayor Bosse.

A DJ pumped out tunes and INDItinis were served at the bar.

Influencers also posed in front of a Laguna Blue INDI One vehicle in the main exhibit space.

It wasn't just the beautiful influential who attended the event, there were various types of talent and enthusiasts. For example, while picking up finger sandwiches from the counter, I talked to a woman who composes music for films. There were various other creative types, a film student, a cosplay actress, an indie musician, a publicist and many beautiful models in dazzling shoes.

A man was talking about his love of cars, especially Aston Martin and. although he wasn't attending Pebble Beach this year, he will be attending the San Marino Motor Classic.

A gaming fan who was ecstatic playing the VR game on the simulator was eleven-year-old Matthew Rose. His family from Sharon, Maine, was vacationing nearby. He wanted to visit the showroom when he saw INDIEV on TikTok. Matthew and his parents, Elana and Gary Rose, attended the event.

"This is a lasting memory - INDIEV treated Matthew better than gold - like he is the most special person in the world," says Elana Rose.

Matthew Rose called being at the event and playing the VR games "the most fun ever." His parents nodded when he said that the VR games would influence his parents' car buying decisions in the future.

What Happens on INDI One Rides?

While waiting in the queue for a ride in an INDI One. Steven Reid, Senior Painter for INDIEV and I chatted about custom painting. He hinted that the that INDI One vehicles may be manufactured in Lordstown, Ohio. If they are made in the US, it would help them qualify for the new rebates that require assembly in the US.

I shared the INDI One car ride with the TikTok influencer DaPoets or just Terrence. The driver confirmed the cameras will stream what is inside and outside the vehicle to the cloud social media.

During our ride, Terrence recorded selfie videos of the INDI One ride. He narrated in a warm mellow velvet voice, "Look at this sunroof - it's like the roof isn't there - it's all glass."

He moved the phone towards the app-controlled mood lighting along the sides of the doors and said, "Customisable RGB action - all along the car which is quite nice."

How Does INDIEV Social Influencing Work?

Before leaving, I talked to the marketing team. Bushell noted that demographics for INIDIEV are growing. He says the car has drawn interest from a number of distinct demographics.

"Originally, we were looking at generally younger audiences, because of the built-in social media. We've also attracted a lot of families with the baby camera and safety features. Then a lot of EV industry people have also taken to it. It's a unique new concept, to all these different groups of people that are all interested for different reasons," he explains.

Monty Robles, Marketing, INDIEV, described the success of the event this way,

"A big part of what we do is creative. The car is inspired by influencers, creatives and by gamers. Now we're giving people a platform. We launched an innovator program, working with innovators of all sizes, anywhere from 2,000 followers to over 500,000 followers, and giving them a platform and a space to create more content. They can create in the car as well. They can livestream from there. They can host from there. They can play games from there. INDIEV keeps you connected, and we want to get people on the platform and to embrace that lifestyle," says Robles.

Robles says she thinks the productivity and the connectivity of the INDI One are essential features. "Our generation grew up with the internet and social media. I can't imagine not having the same connectivity in the car."