Renault working on autonomous tech with Oktal, 10 cars by 2020

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We’re reading a lot about ‘autonomous‘ these days isn’t it? Every major carmaker in the world is trying something on autonomous tech. The latest one to make news on this topic is Groupe Renault. The French auto major has formed Autonomous Vehicle Simulation (AVS), a new joint venture with Oktal, a subsidiary of French aerospace company Sogeclair. Renault will hold 35% stake in AVS.

The newly formed AVS partnership will also benefit the Renault-Nissan Alliance, which has committed to launch more than 10 vehicles with autonomous capabilities by 2020. The Alliance has already engaged in the virtual testing of Autonomous vehicles using ‘SCANeR’ simulation software, that was co-developed with Oktal.

Renault says, the formation of AVS will further enhance product development using driving simulators. This new joint venture will acquire the automotive assets of Sogeclair’s Oktal subsidiary, which will be transferred to the newly formed company.

Simulation testing has become strategic for the automotive industry with the widespread use of assistive technologies and autonomous cars. Fleet testing and simulation go hand in hand with developing autonomous vehicles. In order to achieve the targeted level of reliability, test vehicles must accumulate a vast number of kilometers, which would normally take many years of driving. Along with fleet tests and accelerated testing methods, simulation with virtual testing is helpful to accelerate the process and accommodate it within a project timeline, added the official statement.

“This acquisition supports Groupe Renault’s strategy to deliver the vehicle of the future: electric, connected and autonomous. We are very pleased to partner with Oktal to form AVS and thereby support French innovation. This partnership will help us to speed up building our offer of new services and improve our customer experience”, said Gaspar Gascon, Executive Vice President, Product Engineering of Groupe Renault.

“Along with Renault’s investment, we will significantly accelerate the development of SCANeR Studio’s new features dedicated to the Autonomous/Connected vehicle”, said Laurent Salanqueda, CEO of Oktal.