Renault, Google extend deal to make cars like mobile phones
Renault SA is strengthening its partnership with Alphabet Inc’s Google. in an effort to expand remote software update capabilities to new models such as the electric Megane E-Tech and Austral.
Renault SA is strengthening its partnership with Alphabet Inc’s Google. in an effort to expand remote software update capabilities to new models such as the electric Megane E-Tech and Austral.
“We want to make the car a smart object that can learn and an object that can be upgraded through the air like a mobile phone.” Renault CEO Luca de Meo said in an interview.
Automakers are trying to keep up with Tesla Inc.’s technological capabilities, including the ability to provide updates to cars remotely. Expanding its partnership with Google, starting in 2018, will allow Renault to offer more over-the-air software updates as well as additional services on demand, the two companies said on Tuesday. .
De Meo said the new digital features in the vehicle will generate additional revenue while strengthening the residual value of Renault vehicles and retaining customers. On-demand functions will include drivers being able to locate their vehicles in large parking lots.
“Products stay with a company from infancy to inception, over more than one ownership cycle,” he said.
The expansion of the partnership with Google demonstrates Renault’s “horizontal” strategy under de Meo, which included collaborating on software with developers rather than designing the technology in-house – a strategy that has proven successful. yielded mixed results at other traditional automakers. Volkswagen AG has significantly delayed new models and removed former CEO Herbert Diess in July due to problems at its Cariad software unit.
“We are a hardware manufacturer; software is another sport,” said de Meo. If you want to learn to play tennis, you should go with a suitable tennis player. “
First published date: November 8, 2022, 15:15 p.m. IST