Renault-Nissan connects with Microsoft

THE Renault-Nissan Alliance has announced a partnership with global tech giant Microsoft to co-develop “next-generation” connected technologies.

As part of the arrangement, the two companies will collaborate on new connected services for Alliance vehicles powered by Microsoft Azure, which is one of its intelligent cloud products.

The car-maker says the new services will help improve customer service through “advanced navigation, predictive maintenance and vehicle centric services, remote monitoring of car features, external mobile experiences and over-the-air updates”.

Renault-Nissan highlighted the work it has already done in developing affordable autonomous driving and connectivity features on cars across its mainstream range which includes brands such as Infiniti and Dacia, as well as Nissan and Renault.

The Alliance plans on developing connectivity technology that will ensure it launches 10 models that feature autonomous tech by 2020.

Further development of tech that will make it easier for owners and users to stay connected at work as well as offering services that simplify and increase engagement with the car is also on the cards.

A release from Renault-Nissan says Microsoft Azure will provide the car-maker with a secure cloud platform with “unlimited scale” that will enable the company to provide services to its global customer base.

Azure supports multiple operating systems, tools and programming languages that will allow a common platform for both Renault-Nissan brands.

The car-maker says there will be a number of key areas of focus with Microsoft, such as development of “best-in-class” infotainment and location-based services that will allow users to be more productive in the car by “seamlessly integrating the digital experiences present at work and life into the car”.

It will also allow over-the-air updates, ensuring owners have the latest autonomous drive software, while users will also be able to stay in touch with loved ones more easily and monitor their car from a distance via a mobile phone or laptop or transfer control of the car to a friend without needing to exchange keys.

A stolen car would also be easier to track with the future tech, while customers will also have access to advanced vehicle diagnostic services allowing the manufacturer to deliver unique features.

Renault-Nissan Alliance senior vice-president of connected vehicles and mobility services Ogi Redzic said the partnership will allow the car-maker to offer one global platform for its various brands.

“A car is becoming increasingly connected, intelligent and personal,” he said.

“Partnering with Microsoft allows us to accelerate the development of the associated key technologies needed to enable scenarios our customers want and build all-new ones they haven’teven imagined. We aim to become the provider of connected mobility for everyone with one single global platform.”

Microsoft executive vice president and president of global sales, marketing and operations Jean-Philippe Courtois said the collaboration will ensure new tech experiences for owners of Renault-Nissan Alliance vehicles.

“While the connected car experience is in its infancy, we believe there’s so much potential to dramatically change the industry. We are partnering to accelerate Renault-Nissan’s mobile andcloud strategies and unlock new experiences for their customers,” he said “Renault-Nissan is an exceptional partner thanks to its global presence and range of brands, which enable it to bring entirely new mobile and digital experiences to so many people. This collaboration will bring a new standard to connected cars.”