Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Automotive News
  • Automobilwoche
  • Automotive News Canada
  • Automotive News China
Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Login
  • HOME
    • Latest news
    • Automakers
    • Suppliers
    • New Product
    • Environment/Emissions
    • Sales By Market
    • On The Move
    • Auto Shows
    • Munich Auto Show
    • Geneva Auto Show
    • Paris Auto Show
    • Beijing Auto Show
    • Shanghai Auto Show
  • Features
    • Long Read
    • Interview of the Month
    • Focus on Electrification
    • Focus on Technology
    • Segment Analysis
    • Cars & Concepts
    • Supplier Spotlight
    • Europe By The Numbers
  • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Commentary
    • Guest columnists
  • Photos
    • Photo Galleries
    • Geneva Photo Gallery
    • Beijing Photo Gallery
    • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
    • Paris Photo Gallery
    • Shanghai Photo Gallery
  • Podcasts
  • Car Cutaways
  • EVENTS
    • ANE Congress
    • ANE Rising Stars
    • ANE Eurostars
    • Meet the 2021 winners
    • Browse photos from the 2021 awards ceremony
  • More
    • Publishing Partners
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • About Us
    • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
    • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
    • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
    • TUV Rheinland: Battery testing center for large battery packs and more
    • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
    • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
    • Toyota Europe
    • UFI Filters
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Munich Auto Show
September 10, 2021 01:20 AM

Renault joins Volvo, Polestar in offering Google's Android Automotive in production vehicle

New Megane E-Tech Electric's OpenR Link system builds in Android ecosystem, offers downloadable in-car apps

Peter Sigal
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    The new Renault Megane E-Tech electric compact car has two digital screens: A 12.3-inch wide instrument panel and an attached 12-inch-by-12-inch touch screen that controls infotainment options and is powered by Google's Android Automotive operating system.

    MUNICH — Renault says the new Megane E-Tech Electric compact SUV is the first mainstream car to use the Android Automotive operating system, building in the look, feel and functionality of an Android smartphone. 

    Navigation duties are handled by Google Maps, which appears on a 12-inch-by-12-inch touch screen (lower-end versions get a 9-inch-deep screen with the same functionality). Directions can be entered using Google Assistant voice recognition; and there are more than 40 apps such as Spotify available on the Google Play Store, which users can download directly to the car.

    "This screen is the masterpiece of the new Megane's cockpit," Renault chief designer Gilles Vidal said Monday at the Munich auto show. "By partnering with Google Automotive Services, we have been able to provide accessible and user-friendly apps."

    Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo said the Open R Link was the "real gem" in the new Megane, noting that 75 percent of the world's smartphones run on the Android system.

    Android Automotive is an operating system that runs directly on the car's in-vehicle hardware, in this case a third-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive cockpit platform that uses AI to improve voice recognition and safety use cases.

    Android Auto, in contrast, runs on the user's smartphone and is projected over the vehicle's infotainment system with a USB connection. Apple phone users can connect to the Megane's screen using Apple Car Play, which works the same way as Android Auto.

    Android Automotive is currently used to drive infotainment systems in two production vehicles, the Volvo XC40 Recharge EV and Polestar 2 EV. It is set to appear on future GM models, starting with the revived Hummer brand and the Cadillac Lyric, and both Stellantis and Ford have announced that future models will use the operating system.

    Other automakers, such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla, are developing their own operating systems. But Android Automotive is an off-the-shelf, open-source system that lets automakers customize it to their needs. 

    Users can choose from about 40 in-car apps from the Google Play Store.

    Over-the-air updates

    In a demonstration of the OpenR Link system at the Munich auto show, Google Assistant voice commands — activated by saying "OK Google," with a steering wheel button or with a screen icon --  could be used to play music on Spotify, change the climate-control system and call up the state of the Megane's battery charge. Map directions included the nearest available and compatible charging stations.

    Zoom-in and zoom-out using finger gestures was as fast and as seamless as on a phone.

    Updates to the system are over-the-air, with users able to schedule them at night, just like a smartphone. Some of the apps come with driving restrictions or modifications. Widgets can also be added to the home screen.

    Renault corporate design director Laurens van den Acker said OpenR Link is one of the new Megane's key features. "In the end, [smartphones are] what people use in their cars," he said in an interview with Automotive News Europe. "You could forget your smartphone at home, and you'll still have all your apps from Google in the car. People will find the same digital environment in the car as they have at home."

    RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
    How electrification is shaping Renault's design direction
    Recommended for You
    Renault Megane E-Tech Electric front 2021
    How electrification is shaping Renault's design direction
    Dacia CEO: Why we are more than just a 'low-cost' brand
    Dacia CEO: Why we are more than just a 'low-cost' brand
    Hyundai may expand Ioniq EV range to small cars
    Hyundai may expand Ioniq EV range to small cars
    Sign up for free newsletters
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    Get Free Newsletters

    Sign up and get the best of Automotive News Europe delivered straight to your email inbox, free of charge. Choose your news – we will deliver.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Get 24/7 access to in-depth, authoritative coverage of the auto industry from a global team of reporters and editors covering the news that’s vital to your business.

    SUBSCRIBE NOW
    Connect with Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram

    Founded in 1996, Automotive News Europe is the preferred information source for decision-makers and opinion leaders operating in Europe.

    Contact Us

    1155 Gratiot Avenue
    Detroit MI  48207-2997
    Tel: +1 877-812-1584

    Email Us

    ISSN 2643-6590 (print)
    ISSN 2643-6604 (online)

     

    Resources
    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise with us
    • Advertise with Us
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Awards
    • Rising Stars
    • Eurostars
    • Leading Women
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Automotive News Europe
    Copyright © 1996-2022. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • HOME
      • Latest news
      • Automakers
      • Suppliers
      • New Product
      • Environment/Emissions
      • Sales By Market
      • On The Move
      • Auto Shows
        • Munich Auto Show
        • Geneva Auto Show
        • Paris Auto Show
        • Beijing Auto Show
        • Shanghai Auto Show
    • Features
      • Long Read
      • Interview of the Month
      • Focus on Electrification
      • Focus on Technology
      • Segment Analysis
      • Cars & Concepts
      • Supplier Spotlight
      • Europe By The Numbers
    • Opinion
      • Blogs
      • Commentary
      • Guest columnists
    • Photos
      • Photo Galleries
      • Geneva Photo Gallery
      • Beijing Photo Gallery
      • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
      • Paris Photo Gallery
      • Shanghai Photo Gallery
    • Podcasts
    • Car Cutaways
    • EVENTS
      • ANE Congress
      • ANE Rising Stars
        • Meet the 2021 winners
      • ANE Eurostars
        • Browse photos from the 2021 awards ceremony
    • More
      • Publishing Partners
        • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
        • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
        • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
        • TUV Rheinland: Battery testing center for large battery packs and more
        • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
        • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
        • Toyota Europe
        • UFI Filters
      • Social Media
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • LinkedIn
        • Twitter
      • Contact Us
      • Media Kit
      • About Us