The idea of self-driving cars is no longer just an idea, it is quickly becoming a reality. In fact, in a bid to ensure that the autonomous cars are not just a concept, but indeed part of our daily lives, Renault-Nissan Alliance is partnering with Transdev to integrate this technology so that it becomes a widely available transport option for everyone to use. This marriage is the perfect partnership: Renault-Nissan Alliance brings the automotive expertise, while Transdev provides the know-how when it comes to public and on-demand transport systems.
The companies aim to create a fleet of self-driving cars that can be booked by users and monitored and operated by various interested parties. The pilot programme is being tested in Paris in the Renault Zoe. The Zoe is the perfect car for such an innovative plan as it is Renault’s all-electric model and so ties in with the philosophy driving the concept.
As we know Renault-Nissan Alliance has been forging ahead with its driverless car technology. But the challenge comes in taking this technology and implementing it into everyday life. Let’s be honest, when we hear about such developments many of us still think of futuristic sci-fi movies. So, the challenge is how to ensure that this becomes as commonplace as normal vehicles, how to ensure that everyone can access this form of automotive vehicle so that in time this will become the norm. Enter Transdev. Based in France, but operating in over 15 countries, Transdev privately operates and manages public transport systems.
When asked about the collaboration Renault-Nissan Alliance senior VP of Connected Vehicles and Mobility Services, Ogi Redzic, said “As the mobility services landscape keeps evolving, we have a great opportunity to offer innovative, connected mobility solutions for the evolving needs of our customers, fully aligned with our vision of a zero-emission, zero-fatalities society. Partnering with Transdev allows us to share our knowledge as leaders in electric vehicles, autonomous drive and connected-car technologies with one of the largest multi-modal mobility operators worldwide. Together we will develop an advanced driverless mobility system that will enhance existing public and on-demand transport systems.”
Once fully mobilised the driverless fleet will not only revolutionise the way in which we travel from an ease point of view, but it will also go a long way to reducing pollution as these fleets will be easily available to the public instead of petrol taxi and shuttle equivalents.
It will be some time before we see these cars on our streets, but the time is coming and we look forward to this new wave of transport innovation.
