Waymo formerly known as Google self-driving car project have struck a deal with Renault and Nissan for the development of autonomous trucks and cars. The partnership will see Waymo provide its technology and services in vehicle autonomy to both auto manufacturers, who will then utilize this to build their own autonomous cars. On like other partnerships which Waymo already has in place, the Nissan Renault deal will not include the supply of vehicles to the automakers, as they will build their own cars.
Waymo will provide Renault-Nissan its technology and services in vehicle autonomy
Speaking on the deal, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Nissan Motor Company, Hiroto Saikawa highlighted his company’s position and desire with the deal, he stated;
“Our expertise in the global automotive industry and expertise in strategic partnership will enable us to explore opportunities to grow our portfolio and deliver new value to customers with Waymo, the recognized leader in this space,”
This comment highlights Nissan’s desire to remain competitive when it comes to embracing self-driving technology and innovation. The company recently launched an advance version of its self-driving system, the Nissan ProPilot 2.0, which is a level 3 autonomous system with hands-free self-driving function on freeways and designated routes.
>>> Read more on the Nissan ProPILOT 2.0, that allows hands-free highway driving
Renault is looking to strengthen its position as it prepares for the self-driving era. Several auto makers will formed alliances and partnerships in a bid to develop expertise and technology in autonomous cars. Only recently, Daimler Mercedes-Benz signed a partnership with BMW to combine their technology and expertise, as well as resources to develop autonomous technology before 2023. This is besides each company’s in house efforts at building self-driving cars. Renault who recently had a $35 billion merger negotiation with FIAT Chrysler call-off, have endured some poor figures in global sales.
On their part, Waymo have welcomes the deal, as it resonates with the company’s desire to be the top provider of autonomous and self-driving technology and services within North America and the world at large. Speaking more on this Mr. John Krafcik, CEO of Waymo stated:
Waymo desires to be the top provider of autonomous and self-driving mobility service
This deal between Renault-Nissan and Waymo gives a clear hint of the intent of the companies considering each firms position in the market. According to a Azusa Momose a spokesman for Nissan, the deal is a first step in more to come, that will explore opportunities and Business models in autonomous mobility services, as teams from the partnering firms will work together towards a common goal on technology.
Mercedes BMW Partnership
As the freezy for the acquisition of autonomous technology and expertise heats up, German global Auto giants, Daimler-AG Mercedes and BMW have concluded a partnership towards developing technology for automated driving. Early this year, BMW and Daimler-AG Mercedes signed a MoU to integrate their efforts towards reaching SAE Level 3 and SAE 4 level autonomy in cars manufactured by both firms. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers SAE, Level 4 autonomy as that level of autonomy where a vehicle can operates independently.
>>> Read more on the Five Levels of Vehicle autonomy defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers SAE.
According to Mercedes, the crucial objective of the strategic cooperation and long term partnership is to help in developing a system that will make scaling of automated driving possible and sustainable. Speaking also on the deal,
On the part of Daimler AG, the current CEO Mr. Ola Kallenius reiterated his company’s position in his comment:
"Autonomous driving is one of the most revolutionary trends for us at the moment, and the entire Daimler Group is working very hard on it..."
"Working with the right partners, we want to make significant advances in enhancing the performance of this technology and bring it safely on the road."
>>> Click this link to read more on: Daimler Mercedes and BMW partnership
