Renault and Google expand ties in automotive software

Date: Friday 11 November 2022

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Renault and Google have announced that they are expanding their partnership in software services for future Renault vehicles, adding that Google will become the preferred cloud supplier to the French vehicle manufacturer.

The partnership with Google will also help Renault accelerate its "end-to-end digital transformation, from the design of the car to its market launch through its production," Renault Chief Executive Luca de Meo said in a statement.

In 2018, Google partnered with Renault Group to bring Android-powered infotainment systems to cars. The two companies are now building on this partnership to design and deliver the digital architecture for a more complex concept, a "software-defined vehicle" (SDV).

This partnership has a twofold goal of creating both in-vehicle software and cloud software to enable the SDV platform and a Digital Twin, according to the release.

The term "Digital Twin" refers to the copy of a vehicle that will feature the most advanced AI capabilities "for an easier and continuous integration of new services into the vehicle and the creation of new onboard (In-Car Services) and offboard applications," according to the company.

A SDV with over-the-air, continuous upgrades will build on the existing Android Automotive Operating System and Google Cloud technology collaboration. Renault will leverage Google's Cloud technology to securely manage data capture and analytics. They'll also use Google's ML and AI capabilities.

Google has stated that some features of the SDV will include predictive maintenance, accurate real-time detection of vehicle failures, a better driving experience, and insurance models reflective of driving behaviours.

"Equipped with a shared IT platform, continuous over-the-air updates, and streamlined access to car data, the SDV approach developed in partnership with Google will transform our vehicles to help serve future customers' needs," said Luca de Meo, Renault Group CEO.

Renault Group designates Google as its preferred cloud partner and the goal for this partnership is to eventually move the operation model entirely to the cloud.

Vehicle manufacturers and technology companies including Sony, Apple and Google, have been working to develop ways to build future cars into platforms more like smartphones, with billable services where key updates are wireless.

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