There can be no doubt that videogames are as integrated into our societal mainstream as Mom’s apple pie and political mud-slinging. As if there wasn’t enough proof, try this one on for size. EA and Nissan have announced another first for our favorite industry. Nissan will publicly introduce their 2009 370Z sportscar to the public at large through a videogame. The game given the honors is EA’s Need for Speed: Undercover.

GameDaily.com reported on the announcement. Christian Meunier, VP for Nissan Marketing stated, “Our relationship with EA has been instrumental in bringing the Nissan brand to a passionate and unique audience. By launching the all-new 2009 Nissan Z first through Need for Speed Undercover, we also gain the spirit and energy that EA gamers experience so strongly. Together with EA, we have truly integrated the all-new 370Z in the overall game experience in a meaningful, multi-layered and profound way.”

Corporate suit speak aside, this isn’t the first time that the automotive industry has been affected by videogames and gamers. If memory serves, part of the decision to bring Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution stateside was it’s placement in, and preference by game players of Sony’s Gran Turismo (I found an 07 blog on AdLab.com that backed up what my brain remembered). This is just the first time where an auto manufacturer and a game publisher have jointly introduced a new product to public via a videogame. While I’m opting for the 2010 Camaro, instead of the new Z, I think this joint marketing effort between Nissan and EA is awesome.