The Renault-Nissan Alliance and Transdev, a provider of multiple modes of transportation across North America, have collaborated to jointly develop electric driverless vehicles for public and on-demand transportation in Paris.

Under the research contract, the companies will develop a modular transportation system that will allow clients to book rides, as well as mobility operators to monitor and operate self-driving car fleets.

Renault-Nissan Alliance Connected Vehicles and Mobility Services senior vice-president 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."

As part of the new research, companies have agreed to conduct field test on Paris-Saclay using Renault ZOE electric vehicles, and Transdev's on-demand dispatch, supervision and routing platform.

Transdev chief performance officer Yann Leriche said: "The future of mobility will be PACE, personalised, autonomous, connected and electric.

“As a worldwide leader in public transport and on-demand shared services, we are committed to pioneer in mobility to always offer our clients the best solutions for their journeys.

“Our partnership with Renault-Nissan will reinforce our innovation capabilities and accelerate our time-to-market by combining our strengths with those of a global car manufacturer that shares the same willingness to enhance daily mobility to the benefit of clients."

"The future of mobility will be PACE, personalised, autonomous, connected and electric."

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has been partnering with various organisations to speed up the development of advanced connected-car technologies and mobility services.

As part of this initiative, the company has partnered with Microsoft for developing a single global platform for improving customer experience.

It also partnered with Japanese internet company DeNA for developing driverless vehicles for commercial services.


Image: Nissan and Renault cars. Photo: courtesy of Renault-Nissan Alliance.