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Renault Group, partnering with WeRide, is revolutionizing public transportation with autonomous electric miniBuses. As local authorities and mobility operators seek sustainable, efficient solutions, Renault’s technology is gaining traction across Europe. From bustling cities like Barcelona to peri-urban hubs like Valence, France, and secure sites like Zurich Airport, these driverless shuttles promise accessible, eco-friendly mobility. Following successful trials, including a landmark test at Roland-Garros in 2024, Renault is poised to meet rising demand with a scalable, carbon-free transit option by 2030.
Key Highlights
- Proven Technology: The Roland-Garros trial in May 2024 covered 1,000 km and transported nearly 700 people, showcasing reliability.
- Urban Innovation: Barcelona’s 2.2-km open-road loop (March 10-14, 2025) highlights autonomous shuttles in dense city settings.
- Peri-Urban Access: Valence, France, targets a commercial L4 shuttle service by July 2025, connecting a TGV station to a business park.
- Specialized Use: Zurich Airport’s trial since January 2025 ensures safe, efficient staff movement in a high-security zone.
Renault Group’s vision blends pragmatism with ambition. For individual cars, it prioritizes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like Adaptive Cruise Control, enhancing safety without full autonomy. Public transit, however, is where Renault accelerates. Its L4 autonomous miniBuses—self-driving in defined zones with remote oversight—address urgent needs: reducing emissions, easing urban congestion, and opening rural areas. Trials in Zurich, Valence, and Barcelona underscore their versatility, from navigating complex city streets to linking transport hubs.
In Valence, a 3.3-km route serves 150 companies and 3,000 employees, partnering with operator beti and insurer Macif. Barcelona’s experiment lets the public experience tomorrow’s mobility today, while Zurich proves the tech’s reliability in secure settings. Since the Roland-Garros debut, interest has surged among local governments and operators, with more trials imminent.
Renault’s partner, WeRide, brings global expertise, with 40 million kilometers driven across 1,200 autonomous vehicles. Together, they aim to deploy a robotized miniBus platform by 2030, integrating cutting-edge automation. As cities face low-emission mandates, Renault estimates demand for thousands of these miniBuses in the next decade—offering a flexible, green lifeline to public transit.
This push aligns with Renault’s broader mission: carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040. By blending innovation with real-world testing, the Group is not just adapting to change—it’s driving it.
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