Google and the Renault Group are broadening their relationship to develop a cutting-edge software platform for future automobiles. As per the statement reported by The Verge, Renault has chosen Google as its "preferred cloud supplier."

Based on the announcement made by the two firms, the "software-defined vehicle" they are constructing will be using Google's Android Automotive operating system.

Renault CEO Luca de Meo stated in a statement via Reuters, that the collaboration with Google will speed up the company's "end-to-end digital transformation, from the design of the car to its market launch through its production."

Notably, the partnership between the tech giant and the vehicle manufacturer has been going on for the last four years.

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"Digital Twin"

That first contract just included the installation of Android in millions of brand-new automobiles. The news made today is rather more detailed. 

The Verge reported that Google and Renault have revealed that they will collaborate on developing a "Digital Twin," also known as a virtual carbon copy of a vehicle equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. 

The companies claim, via the announcement, that this Digital Twin would facilitate the quicker and ongoing integration of new services into the car and the production of new onboard (In-Car Services) and offboard applications.

New Car Features

Google and Renault want to enhance the vehicle's performance via better, real-time diagnostics by working together on software and trying out new AI capabilities in a virtual simulation. 

When automobile maintenance is required, it will either alert the driver or attempt to fix the issue automatically. In addition, drivers can tailor their experience in terms of their habits behind the wheel, regular destinations, and access to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. 

The vehicle's own data may also be used to inform insurance premium estimates.

The "Software-defined Vehicles" Trend

Tesla has set the standard for what features consumers demand from their cars' software. To keep up with it, other manufacturers are reportedly creating software-defined vehicles, too. 

The concept behind this is that a car is supplied with a minimum level of hardware, and its capabilities are primarily determined by the software that runs on it. This software can receive over-the-air updates, which may be used to upgrade and enhance it.

Google and Other Car Makers

Google has been making attempts to enter the automotive industry for more than a decade. Still, the efforts of Google have been partly thwarted by manufacturers concerned about competition. 

However, the corporation has had more success in coercing major automobile manufacturers to comply with its demands.

The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is collectively known as one of the major car groups in the world. In 2018, Renault reached a contract with Google as part of a larger partnership between the tech company and the Alliance. 

As part of the agreement, the Alliance said it would integrate Google's native operating system for automobiles, equipped with a built-in version of Assistant, Maps, and Play Store.

However, Google and Renault are the only parties involved in today's announcement. Therefore, it is limited to the four brands produced by the French automaker: Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and Mobilize.

Also Read: This Google AI Can Self-Program By Itself

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Trisha Kae Andrada