In May 2024, Renault Group revealed its autonomous vehicle strategy and, in partnership with WeRide, introduced its first-ever open-road experimentation in Europe, featuring two autonomous miniBuses operating during the prestigious Roland-Garros tennis tournament.
The successful trial, covering 1,000 km and transporting nearly 700 people, demonstrated the maturity of the technology and highlighted the potential of autonomous passenger transport solutions. Following this success, local authorities, transport operators, and private site managers across Europe have shown strong interest in adopting this innovative mobility solution. New experiments are already underway in cities like Zurich (Switzerland), Valencia (France), and Barcelona (Spain), with additional projects set to be announced soon.
Barcelona (Spain): Shaping the Future of Urban Mobility
From March 10 to 14, Renault Group and WeRide are offering the public a glimpse of the urban mobility of tomorrow in Barcelona. Two autonomous electric miniBuses are operating on a 2.2-kilometer open-road loop in the heart of the city. This experiment in a dense, urban environment demonstrates the maturity of autonomous technology for public transport services, aligning with Renault Group’s vision for the future of public transport in Europe—autonomous mobility as a solution for more livable cities, accessible transport, and sustainable mobility.
Valence (France): Enhancing Mobility in Peri-Urban Areas
In Valence, France, Renault Group is collaborating with beti (French private-public transport operator), Macif (insurer), and WeRide to deploy the first high-level service automated mobility network in the region. Running from March 10 to April 19, the experiment is paving the way for a commercial Level 4 automated shuttle service, expected to launch in July 2025. The 3.3-kilometer route connects the Valence TGV station with the surrounding 162-hectare business park, serving over 150 companies and 3,000 employees. This collaboration exemplifies shared automated mobility, supporting the ecological transition while enhancing access to employment, education, health, and leisure for populations in rural and peri-urban areas.
Zurich Airport (Switzerland): Meeting High Security and Safety Standards
Since January 2025, WeRide has been conducting an autonomous vehicle experiment at Zurich Airport to streamline employee travel between terminals. The project showcases autonomous technologies’ ability to operate in complex, high-security environments, meeting the stringent safety and reliability demands of an airport setting.
Renault Group’s Vision for Autonomous Vehicles
Renault Group takes a pragmatic approach to autonomous vehicles, distinguishing between the needs of individual vehicles and public transportation. For individual vehicles, the company focuses on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, which improve safety and comfort while leaving the driver in control.
For public transport, Renault Group sees immediate potential in Level 4 autonomous vehicles, which can manage driving situations independently within defined environments, requiring only remote supervision. As cities face the challenges posed by low-emission zones, autonomous miniBuses could be a vital solution for public transport. With thousands of autonomous electric miniBuses expected to be needed in the coming decade, Renault Group aims to offer flexible, accessible, secure, and carbon-free transport options.
As a leader in carbon-free mobility, Renault Group plans to introduce a robotized electric miniBus platform by 2030, designed to integrate automation solutions from specialized partners.
