Renault Group, Google partner to develop and deploy SDV

Renault Group and Google announced an expanded collaboration to create and deploy the digital architecture for the “Software Defined Vehicle” (SDV) and hasten the group’s digitalisation.

Renault Group and Google will create a set of SDV-specific onboard and offboard software components and expand synergies and use cases relevant to the group’s “Move to Cloud” strategy.

The collaboration on cloud computing is now accelerating with the development of a Digital Twin, a virtual twin of the vehicle with the most advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, for easier and continuous integration of new services into the vehicle, as well as the development of new onboard (In-Car Services) and offboard applications. The organisation will eventually migrate its whole operating model to the cloud for greater agility, better performance, and higher profitability.

“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. This 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. Finally, our 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 Group CEO Luca de Meo said.

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai commented: “Our collaboration with Renault Group has improved comfort, safety, and connectivity on the road. Today’s announcement will help accelerate Renault Group’s digital transformation by bringing together our expertise in the cloud, AI, and Android to provide for a secure, highly-personalized experience that meets customers’ evolving expectations.” 

Renault Group and Google are broadening their collaboration to create platforms and services for the future of SDVs. The partnership includes in-vehicle software for the SDV Platform and cloud software for a Digital Twin.

Through constant software innovation, Renault Group will be able to cut costs, improve efficiency, flexibility, and speed of vehicle development, and boost value for end customers.

Renault Group will increase its usage of Google Cloud technology for the SDV to better manage data collecting and analytics, as well as software development for the vehicle, securely and confidentially. This facilitates early development use cases such as:

• predictive maintenance and improved failure detection and repair in almost real-time, if required;
• a customised experience inside the car (In-Car services) that adjusts to your driving style and frequently visited locations like EV Charging Stations, etc.; and
• models for insurance based on actual usage and driving habits.

Renault Group intends to monitor and analyse car usage in conjunction with its SDV Platform and its Car Data Platform to better understand customers’ needs and behaviours and provide better and more personalised services in accordance with applicable security and privacy standards.

After more than four years of cloud computing engagement, Renault Group has recognised the benefits of agility and performance, with one billion pieces of data gathered daily across all manufacturing locations, connected production lines, and supply chain data hosted and analysed in the cloud. The Group has named Google as its prefered cloud partner, intending to capitalise on its innovation in machine learning and AI, continual investments in open and always more sustainable infrastructure, and secure cloud strategy.