Loss
of time, tiredness, stress, wasted fuel… Such is the lot of the modern-day
motorist, on roads that are becoming increasingly congested. In these
conditions, why not permit yourself to just settle back and become a mere
passenger? Autonomous vehicles are a real step towards mobility of the future,
as well as towards enhanced safety. Next Two is Renault’s vision of an
autonomous electric vehicle for the year 2020. Renault links connectivity with
the delegation of certain driving functions, giving motorists useful extra free
time, while improving safety. “Thanks to the Next Two autonomous prototype,
Renault’s aim is to take up position right now in this field of advanced technology
which we believe will reach the marketplace by around 2020. With Next Two, we
wanted to combine the worlds of delegated driving and connectivity. Not only
will autonomous driving enhance safety but it will also free up time for
drivers. Being connected will enable them to make the most of this extra time
by providing them with access to new in-car services such as video-conferences,
on-line shopping, travel information and more.” Carlos Ghosn, CEO Renault.
Thanks
to simple but ingenious sensor technologies, Next Two frees the driver from the
task of driving to give him spare-time back in precise and useful situations
with:
---The delegation of driving functions in congested traffic up to
30kph on main roads.
--- An Automated Valet Parking function which permits the vehicle to
park itself completely autonomously in car parks equipped to cater for
automated vehicles. This includes both finding
a
parking place and the necessary manoeuvring. On board Next Two, people can
above all ensure that this time is either productive or pleasurable by tapping
into the benefits of a hyper connected mobile lifestyle. With its based on open
source connectivity system, Next Two picks up all available networks (3G, 4G,
Wi-Fi, etc.) and is compatible with all operating systems. People on-board will
find everything they would expect to find at home or in the office – in
complete safety, while the vehicle takes care of the journey by itself.