Renault Group collaborates with WeRide, a specialist in autonomous driving technology, to develop an autonomous bus set for a live demonstration at the Roland-Garros 2024 tennis tournament in Paris on May 26th.
Renault aims for a large-scale commercial deployment of vehicles with an L4 level of autonomy in partnership with WeRide.
Renault’s strategic focus on future ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) and autonomous vehicle (AV) technology offerings and applications was also highlighted in the announcement.
The Level 4 AV by Renault is designed for public transportation, where autonomous miniBuses will operate safely 24/7 as a zero-emission alternative or complement to existing transportation solutions like trains, trams, and buses. Renault emphasized the importance of autonomy in meeting the growing demand for low-carbon mobility in regions.
For individual vehicles, Renault plans to offer advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) at the top market level for increased safety and comfort. However, for public transportation, Renault sees autonomy as necessary to meet the evolving mobility needs efficiently.
Gilles Le Borgne, CTO Renault Group, stated, “Renault Group is advancing its autonomous vehicle strategy, aligning with our partners to offer a range of autonomous, low-carbon miniBuses to address regional transportation needs before the end of the decade.”
Roland-Garros 2024 tennis tournament trials will involve an experimental service using a robotized electric miniBus platform based on the New Renault Master to transport passengers to and from the stadium. This initiative stems from Alliance Ventures’ investment in WeRide in 2018.
Renault Group’s Autonomous Vehicle Strategy – Cautious Approach to L3 for Human-Driven Vehicles
Renault detailed its autonomous vehicle (AV) strategy, focusing on levels of automation ranging from L0 to L5, with Renault’s current emphasis on L2 or L2+ levels for individual vehicles. The company believes that the technological complexity gap between L2 and L3 autonomy poses challenges for customer adoption due to the cost-benefit ratio.
Renault remains flexible in adapting its vehicle architecture for autonomous capabilities as technology and regulations evolve. In public transportation, Renault sees the relevance of offering autonomous vehicles to meet the growing demand for miniBuses in the coming years.
