## 1 Introduction
### Context and State of the Art  
Designing car infotainment systems typically involves multiple iterations of physical prototypes to ensure that the final product meets the expected user experience and usability standards [5]. This process is not only expensive but also extends the time required to bring new products to market. Additionally, the iterative nature of physical prototyping can lead to inefficiencies and the delayed identification of design flaws. The need for a more efficient and cost-effective solution is evident.  
Virtual reality offers a promising alternative to traditional prototyping methods. By creating a virtual environment where designers can interact with digital twins of various components, VR allows for continuous, immersive interaction with the design. Such an environment facilitates immediate feedback and adjustments, streamlining the design process [6]. Furthermore, VR can integrate sensors and human physiological monitoring to provide automatic emotional feedback, enabling early assessment of the user experience and safety [7].  
The advent of industrial metaverses [8] has ushered in a new era where the boundaries between physical and virtual spaces blur, fostering collaborative innovation across diverse industries [9]. These metaverses leverage immersive technologies to create dynamic interactive environments, becoming incubators for groundbreaking applications [10,11]. In automotive design, industrial metaverses offer a playground for reimagining traditional processes, introducing efficiencies, and promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration [12].  
Within the automotive sector, the integration of immersive technologies has become increasingly prevalent [13,14]. Extended reality (XR) is shaping the way vehicles are conceptualized, tested, and validated [15], while designers and engineers now leverage these technologies to visualize, iterate, and refine vehicle components in virtual environments before transitioning to physical prototypes [16,17].  
As a focal point within the immersive automotive landscape, the concept of virtual cockbits has gained prominence. Virtual cockbits represent a shift from conventional design methodologies, allowing for the creation of digital twins that replicate physical components in virtual spaces. This evolution facilitates rapid prototyping, reducing time to market and providing designers with immediate, interactive feedback on the ergonomics, safety, and aesthetics of IVI systems [18].  
In the pursuit of refining automotive design, behavioral analysis algorithms and digital twins have emerged as critical components [19]. Behavioral analysis adds a layer of human-centric evaluation, capturing user interactions within virtual cockbits. Digital twins, representing exact replicas of physical components, enable a seamless transition between virtual and physical realms, fostering iterative design processes.  
Despite the strides made in the convergence of industrial metaverses and automotive design, challenges persist [20]. Ensuring seamless integration between real and virtual components, addressing ethical considerations, and establishing industry-wide standardsremain focal points. However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and the creation of a new design paradigm. In this dynamic landscape, the V-Cockpit project redefines the traditional boundaries of car cockpit design. This project not only addresses current challenges but sets the stage for a future where immersive technologies help push the automotive industry into new levels of efficiency, creativity, and collaborative design.