Driverless mobility agreement reached

Groupe Renault and Nissan have become the first automotive manufacturers to explore driverless mobility services with Waymo in France and Japan.

The agreement is designed to bring together the strengths of each party and expand expertise by assessing market opportunities, working together to research commercial, legal and regulatory issues related to driverless transportation-as-a-service offerings in the two countries.

France and Japan are home to Groupe Renault and Nissan headquarters respectively, and the agreement may expand to other markets, excluding China.

To further the exploration process, Groupe Renault and Nissan will create joint venture Alliance-focused companies in France and Japan dedicated to driverless mobility services.

“This is an ideal opportunity for Waymo to bring our autonomous technology to a global stage, with an innovative partner,” Waymo chief executive officer John Krafcik says.

“With the Alliance’s international reach and scale, our Waymo Driver can deliver transformational mobility solutions to safely serve riders and commercial deliveries in France, Japan, and other countries.”

Groupe Renault chief executive officer Thierry Bolloré believes this partnership will accelerate its commitment to deliver new shared mobility services and place it at the forefront of driverless mobility new business streams.

Nissan Motor president and chief executive officer Hiroto Saikawa says Nissan aims to be an early provider of driverless mobility services.