By
Josh O'Sullivan
April 23rd, 2024
A major highlight of the announcement is the creation of a Digital Twin of the Software Defined Vehicle which will be resident on Google Cloud.
French automaker Renault SA (EPA: RNO) is deepening its ties with Google Cloud, a division of American multinational tech giant Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOGL) as it looks to develop vehicles for the future. According to the announcement, the partnership between Renault and Google will seek to design and deliver the digital framework for the “Software Defined Vehicle” (SDV), a new frontier of auto cars whose functionalities are 100% dependent on software.
The renewed partnership which dates back to 2018 is a part of Renault Group’s commitment to the digital transformation of its engineering processes. Per the terms of the partnership, the duo will work together to develop a number of onboard and offboard software components that will notably help power the SDV as well as in the introduction of utilities that can make future auto cars more functional.
While the financial aspect of the renewed partnership was not revealed, Renault has confirmed it will promptly accelerate its move to the cloud.
“The complexity of the electronic architecture of cars is increasing exponentially, driven by the sophistication of the functionalities and services expected by customers. 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.
As revealed by Luca, SDV innovation that is being developed by the duo “will increase residual value and after-sales retention, which are two key drivers of our financial performance, and help Renault to roll out our portfolio of new services.”
In all, he acknowledged that the “strategic partnership with Google will allow us to accelerate our end-to-end digital transformation, from the design of the car to its market launch through its production, and ultimately to bring added value to our customers. With Google, we are going beyond mere cooperation: a software champion and a mobility champion are joining forces to create game-changing technologies.”
Renault and Google to Fastrack Digital Twin Creation
A major highlight of the announcement is the creation of a Digital Twin of the Software Defined Vehicle which will be resident on Google Cloud.
Drawing on the strengths of the technology being fronted by Google, the hybrid model of the car development will enable easy collation of crucial data that can help bolster the operational efficiencies of the said vehicles.
Among the many advantages that will be introduced include predictive maintenance as well as better detection and rectification of failures in near real-time if necessary. Also, there will be the creation of several in-car services and experiences to adapt to the driver’s behaviors while also mapping some of the favorite destinations the car is being driven to.
The Renault-Google partnership is one thing to look forward to as it will set a new standard and take the automobile industry to a new pedestal that other tech giants, including Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) looking to make a foray into the space, will strive hard to beat.