Renault integrates Waze navigation app into its multimedia systems
Buyers can have Waze if they’ve got the means
Renault has announced that it is the first carmaker to integrate the Waze satellite navigation app as an integrated feature on some of its new models.
The app has been built into the multimedia systems on the new Austral SUV and Mégane E-Tech Electric models equipped with Renault’s OpenR Link infotainment system. The move is designed to provide drivers with greater levels of “comfort and safety”, allowing them to use the app without connecting or touching their phones.
Waze, one of the most popular navigation apps out there, uses real-time data from users in order to identify the fastest route, taking into account issues that may impact on journey times such as road works, traffic jams, stranded cars, and hazards such as fog and floods.
Renault drivers can download the app for free from the Google Play app store either via their car’s OpenR multimedia screen or through their smartphones with their My Renault mobile app. The set-up can also be integrated with existing Waze accounts.
“Renault is the first car brand to offer Waze directly on the vehicle’s multimedia screen, without activating the smartphone,” said Jérôme Seror, director of digital customer experience at Renault.
“We are convinced that the large number of Waze users will appreciate this new feature when they drive the Nouvel Austral or the Mégane E-Tech electric. This is clearly in line with our strategy to offer our customers an intuitive, immersive and connected driving experience.”
While Renault is the first manufacturer to directly integrate Waze as an accessible app through the car’s interior touchscreen, it isn’t the first car company to make use of it.
In 2018, Fiat launched the special-edition Panda Waze, integrating Waze into its own Uconnect system.
At the time, the Panda didn’t feature an infotainment screen and so users had to make do with mounting their phone in the Panda’s dashboard cradle, but it meant that Fiat drivers could continue using the Uconnect app while they were driving without having to switch between it and Waze on the go.
As well as partnering with Fiat on the special-edition Panda, in August of 2018 Waze introduced support for Android Auto which meant that users of Android phones could see and use Waze through their cars’ touchscreens. A month later, Apple CarPlay compatibility was introduced.
Waze is also available through Android Automotive, which is a full infotainment operating system made available first on the Polestar 2.
For many motorists then, the use of Waze through their multimedia won’t be a new feature, but Renault’s recent efforts do mark the first time that drivers will be able to access the app without pairing their smartphones with the car they’re driving.
Waze has been owned by Google since 2013, though the mapping underpinning the app remains separate from Google’s own mapping system.
“As more and more Waze users join us on in-car platforms and as this type of technology continues to evolve, it is important that we provide them with the best driving experiences,” said Waze’s director of marketing and partnerships, Aron di Castro.
“That’s why we are pleased and proud to announce our partnership with Renault. The integration of Waze’s real-time routes, navigation and alerts into the screen of Renault’s next generation vehicles offers a smoother and more streamlined driving experience.
“We look forward to bringing this all-new driving experience to as many users around the world as possible in 2023.”
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