Connecting cars pave way to creating new experiences, enriched further over time with the introduction of more autonomous driving capabilities: making these connected experiences easy, efficient and useful for consumers will be key to turn the technology paradigm into mass market success.
Leveraging its track record of democratizing and deploying technology that impact people’s experience of their car, Renault introduces “Renault EASY CONNECT”, a suite of new-generation connected-car and mobility solutions that makes the Renault ride experience safer, more fun and more efficient:
Renault EASY CONNECT solutions will be fully available through the MY Renault application, for Renault car owners to enjoy a complete experience from their smartphone: connected services, maintenance plan, dealer interaction, assistance, …all in one app.
Renault EASY CONNECT solutions are accessible through the main connected multimedia platforms currently fielded by Renault: R&Go, R-LINK Evolution and R-LINK 2, available on Twingo, Clio, Captur, Mégane, New Scénic, Kadjar, New Koleos, Talisman, Espace and ZOE , Kangoo, Master, Trafic.
They will be deployed fully on all forthcoming Renault multimedia platforms, natively or via smartphone. And for vehicles without these platforms, Renault will be delivering in the coming months connectivity adapters that brings in most of these features.
Renault EASY CONNECT solutions will also encompass a full range of connected accessories.
Renault EASY CONNECT solutions portfolio relies on 4 main principles:
1/ Creating seamless smartphone-car connection, to easily access online content & services on the big screen
2/ Facilitating the interaction between the driver, his car and Renault with MY Renault application
3/ Creating smarter interactions between the connected car and the connected home
4/ Connecting the car to the road and city for smarter journey experiences
5/ Bridging everyone’s connected car with leading car sharing and ride sharing providers
1/ Creating Seamless smartphone-car connection to easily access online services on the big screen
With the R&Go, R-LINK Evolution and R-LINK 2 multimedia systems, motorists can already access Orange internet radio stations (on R&GO), the power of their online music subscription service on car speakers throughout the Bluetooth connectivity, and a range of news bouquet (France News, Euronews, etc.) from the R-LINK appstore. With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay =for users of Android and iPhone smartphones, the integration of such online content has never been so rich and convenient. (More information.)
Users can also already leverage their Android Auto (Google Now) and Apple CarPlay (Siri) voice assistants to create spoken destination instructions that they run on the R-LINK “big screen”. And by early next year, it will be able to transfer a spoken destination instruction through to the R-LINK 2 system directly directly from the smartphone. (For example, “Hey Google, send this destination through to R-LINK?”)
2/ Facilitating the interaction between the driver, his car and Renault with MY Renault application
The brand new MY Renault app (for iOS and Android), compatible avec R-LINK Evolution and R-LINK 2, will be phased in from fall 2017 on many markets, including France, the UK and Germany. It gives remote access to the vehicle dashboard (for travel range data, trip log, tyre pressure readings, etc.), enabling motorists to prepare door-to-door journeys before setting off, and access a range of dealership and insurance company interaction services.
Through MY Renault app, consumers will be able from fall 2017 onwards to anticipate and arrange their maintenance schedule directly with its favorite dealer, streamlining the customer relationship for greater efficiency.
In a future update, users will be able to query vehicle information directly from Facebook Messenger or its preferred connected assistant: “When’s the next servicing for?” “What’s my tyre pressure?” “Do I have enough fuel (or battery charge) for getting to Stuttgart?” MY Renault will answer via the same channel.
3/ Creating smarter interactions between the connected car and the connected home with Renault EASY CONNECT, Renault will be extending its connected ecosystem to the home, offering customers a seamless digital experience on all screens, including the car’s.
For example, Renault has teamed up with Legrand, world leading specialist in electrical and digital infrastructures for buildings, to demonstrate comprehensive and seamless connectivity between home and car. In the future, users will be able to see who’s at their doorstep and receive notifications on their home systems directly from their in-car screens.
By the end of 2017, customers using the IFTTT (www.ifttt.com) applet platform, open to the internet of things (IoT), will also be able to integrate their Renault Connected car, digital home and lifestyle features together through simple rules via the leading app.
Examples include:
4/ Connecting the car to the road and city for smarter journey experiences
Following on from the Coyote smart driving widget, operational since mid-2016 Renault started bundling from January 2017 onwards three years’ access to the TomTom Live Traffic service and three years’ of European map updates for all new cars sold. (More information)
With Waze now available on the R-LINK screen through Android Auto, Renault is giving the choice between state-of-the-art onboard and community-driven navigation platforms, facilitating consumer journey.
From early 2018, with the integration of OnePark, Europe’s first carpark booking application, motorists will be able to book a parking place directly from their MY Renault application, and later from their onboard car’s multimedia system.
5/ Bridging everyone’s connected car with leading car sharing and ride sharing providers
In the coming months, Renault drivers who practice car sharing will be getting seamless direct access to the IDVroom service (French number-one in short ride shares) from the MY Renault application or the R-LINK 2 multimedia platform. Partnerships with other car-share services are in the pipeline, extending coverage to major Renault markets.
In the same manner, the access to Renault Mobility 24/7 car sharing service will be introduced via a direct access in the MY Renault App in Q4 2017, offering flexibility when managing your journey with your own car or a shared car.
Renault EASY CONNECT, with its extensive range of connected services and partners, enables customers to refine their personal mobility, making it easier to prepare, enjoy and upgrade their journey. As the smartphone takes a central place in the customer experience offered by MY Renault, customers enjoy direct access to their preferred suppliers and benefit from a broad choice of services.