ARM chips are set to help power technology driving a new generation of smart cars for Groupe Renault.

The Cambridge processor architect joined the Renault-Nissan Alliance at CES in Las Vegas to parade an armoury of enhancements for electric cars and other connected vehicles.

Renault has developed POM, a compact and lightweight electric vehicle with bodywork parts removed and an open-source automotive platform. Available to start-ups, independent laboratories, private customers and researchers, it allows third parties to copy and modify existing software to create a totally customisable electric vehicle.

The collaboration has brought together a rich ecosystem of entrepreneurs, developers, designers, and engineers. ARM, OSVehicle, Pilot and Sensoria are Renault’s strategic technology partners. 
 
Providing processor design technology powering more than 80 per cent of mobile computing devices, Renault’s collaboration with ARM will open up the Twizy software and hardware architecture at the heart of the advancement to allow new features, including interoperability with ARM®-based connected devices.

The ARM ecosystem is scaling the ARM architecture to address a diverse range of automotive technology use cases in support of ADAS, IVI, autonomous driving, advanced cockpits and connected car. 
 
Richard York, vice-president of embedded marketing at ARM said: “Connected vehicles will enable new business models that deliver a broad range of choices and experiences for end users. The automotive industry will increasingly focus on the specific functionality that owners want, such as comfort level and entertainment. By providing this platform, Renault is paving the way for innovation in these areas.”

Pierrick Cornet, VP Engineering, Groupe Renault, added: “Renault has been making cars for more than 100 years and our industry is changing rapidly. Being able to work in all new ways, incorporating new technology with new scenarios in mind, ensures we’re constantly exploring new areas of transportation, connected cars, zero emissions and an easier life for our customers.”