Renault Group is advancing its autonomous vehicle strategy with new trials in several European cities following a recent test deployment at the Roland-Garros tennis tournament in May 2024. In partnership with WeRide, the initiative involved autonomous minibuses operating on public roads, covering 1,000 kilometers and transporting nearly 700 passengers.
The trial demonstrated the potential of self-driving public transport, leading to interest from local authorities, transport operators, and private site managers. As a result, additional tests are now underway in Barcelona, Valence, and Zurich, with further locations expected to follow.
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In Barcelona, Renault Group and WeRide are conducting a demonstration from March 10 to 14, where two autonomous electric minibuses will operate on a 2.2-kilometer route through the city center. The test aims to assess the feasibility of automated public transport in an urban environment.
In Valence, a pilot project running from March 10 to April 19 is expected to transition into a commercial service by July 2025. This initiative involves Level 4 autonomous shuttles providing transport between the Valence TGV railway station and a nearby business park, serving employees and visitors. The project is being carried out in collaboration with mobility operator beti, insurer Macif, WeRide, and Renault Group.
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At Zurich Airport, WeRide has been testing autonomous shuttles since January 2025, with a focus on improving employee transport between terminals. The trial is designed to evaluate the use of autonomous vehicles in high-security environments with complex traffic conditions.
Renault Group’s approach to autonomous mobility differentiates between personal vehicles and public transportation. For individual cars, the company is focusing on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, while monitoring developments in cost and regulations for higher levels of autonomy. In public transport, Renault Group sees potential for Level 4 autonomous minibuses to operate within designated areas under remote supervision.
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The company estimates that demand for zero-emission autonomous minibuses will increase over the next decade. As part of its long-term strategy, Renault Group is exploring the development of a robotic electric minibus platform by 2030, which could integrate automation solutions from specialized partners.