Latest news with #LaurensvandenAcker
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Renault's global design chief says innovation is name of the game
HighlightsChinese automakers are leading in EV design and tech, forcing global players like Renault to innovate. Car design is evolving from surface-level styling to intelligent, holistic user experiences. Renault sees India not just as a market, but also a hub for tech talent. Electric architecture is liberating automotive design. Mumbai: As Chief Design Officer of the Renault Group , Laurens van den Acker knows only too well that the global automobile arena is in a completely different place today. Today, it is the Chinese who are literally calling the shots in the electric vehicle space and setting new standards in design which have had the rest of the world flummoxed. Beyond this, customer tastes and preferences are also changing rapidly which means designers like van den Acker have to factor in these new realities. 'The world is changing very fast and there is an increased need for innovation because we are finding out — if we are looking at our competitors — that they are very advanced in terms of technology. This means design needs to mature from just doing the styling and making things beautiful,' he told ET Auto during a recent visit to India for the inauguration of the Renault Design Centre in Chennai. We see, for instance, that the average age of a car buyer in Europe is 54 while it is 35 in China. I do not know what the average age in India is though it is definitely lowerLaurens van den Acker Innovative ideas While these still remained top priorities, van den Acker was quick to add that it was equally important for companies like Renault to become very innovative on their own while coming up with new concepts, ideas and experiences. As he explained, carmakers were now switching from exterior/ interior design to offering a complete customer experience. 'What happens when the car has a brain? What happens if the car becomes intelligent? What happens if the car starts to anticipate your needs? So for all this, this is a completely new design challenge,' said van den Acker. This reality extends to countries like India too where there are a lot of UX UI (user experience, user interface) developers as well as software developers and coders. Hence, this is a good place 'for us to connect to this community as well'. Given these new trends, it has become absolutely imperative to look for new ideas, innovations, disciplines and skills as part of the effort to make the experience of a car even more exciting than ever. The age demographics of buyers is also completely diverse across the world which makes the task of design even more challenging. Also Read: Renault launches new design centre in Chennai, its largest outside France Young vs old buyers 'We see, for instance, that the average age of a car buyer in Europe is 54 while it is 35 in China. I do not know what the average age in India is though it is definitely lower,' said van den Acker. Given that two-thirds of the subcontinent is less than 30 years old, it will be logical to assume that a large chunk of contemporary car buyers in this part of the world are in the 25-35 age group. From Renault's point of view, this means that there is a different mindset and attitude towards the vehicle coupled with different expectations worldwide. 'And like it or not, in Europe, we live in an ageing society, so we need to make sure that we do not lose our connection with the future,' reiterated van den Acker. Also Read: Renault aims for more agility in India, reaffirms Nissan's role Right now, it is China that is constantly hitting the headlines thanks to the massive strides it has made in EVs where companies like BYD are literally surging ahead of the rest. While admitting that the Chinese car industry was formidable and akin to 'facing an army', this did not mean that everything was lost. 'On the contrary, it means we have to pick up our game and become better. We have to leverage our — how can I say — our assets which are diversity, inclusion and authenticity,' said van den Acker. So in my view, it is the most sophisticated level of design. You find all aspects (of design) in the car and therefore it is exciting to be in there, even if it is scary once in a whileLaurens van den Acker Renault icons From the French carmaker's point of view, its portfolio has icons like the Renault 4 and 5 as well as Twingo which represent brands that 'speak to a lot to the hearts of people in Europe'. Likewise, it has had some head turners in India like the Duster and Kwid. 'So we need to play these cards and give them (Chinese competition) something to fight for,' he continued. The Renault design chief also agreed with the view of some industry experts that it would not make sense to go overboard on design with funky and radical concepts. 'Well yes, it depends. You do not do this with every car, but if you have a lineup of 10 vehicles, you can afford to take risks with one or two cars. To be really competitive in today's market, your cars have to be really, really good. And they have to tick all the boxes and sometimes you need to make waves to get further,' he explained. The hiring process across the automobile industry has also seen a huge change over the years with companies now seeking some unique skills in design. There are some who have also roped in youngsters from the gaming industry keeping in mind that new cars need to be an extension of people's personalities and even double up as a comfortable living room on wheels. Also Read: Renault's new launches lift first quarter sales Increased complexity 'Yes, we are seeing this trend too and you need people who know about screens, animations, gaming, sounds, motion and the like. The complexity has increased, but it has also become much more interesting,' said van den Acker. He added that as far as he was concerned, car design was the 'highest level of design' that one could achieve. 'It is the closest to a human being. The car has a brain and a character. The car has a front face and eyes,' he elaborated. As van den Acker put it, 'We even describe the vehicle in terms of human assets. So in my view, it is the most sophisticated level of design. You find all aspects (of design) in the car and therefore it is exciting to be in there, even if it is scary once in a while.' The electric era has him excited because the Renault team has been able to produce some vehicles that were not possible with combustion engines. For instance, even in R5, it was possible to do a small car with big wheels in the corners because an electronic architecture has a smaller engine. Being more compact, 'you can have bigger wheels' which can still turn and give a good turning radius. 'It gives us certain things that we could only dream of a few years ago. So, like I said, it also gives us also some challenges. But, hey, that's life, you know!' signed off van den Acker.
Irish Times
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Times
Mazda CX-80 review: Style to spare, but substance still lagging
Mazda makes great-looking cars. It used to make great powertrains as well. But then it tried to re-engineer the combustion engine while the rest of the motoring world focused on electric . That's a sweeping generalisation of the Japanese firm's activity over the past decade, but it's the perception, and frustration, felt by admirers of the brand. Mazda's design language has set the brand on a solid footing for nearly two decades. It was initially steered by Dutchman Laurens van den Acker, then brought to full effect by Ikuo Maeda and his Kodo design philosophy. Think of how striking the Mazda6 was when it came to market in 2013. Or the muscular RX-8. Or the still-gorgeous MX-5. Even the concept versions of the upcoming Mazda6e look great. READ MORE So, Mazda has design mastered. In contrast, its powertrain engineering seems in disarray. It saddled itself with a complex evolutionary redevelopment of the internal combustion engine that it christened Skyactiv. At its core is an exceptionally high compression ratio, which maximises thermal efficiency, extracting more energy from combustion while reducing pumping losses. To reach this stage, the firm had to redesign virtually every engine component and create new transmissions. It has been incredibly innovative for regular engines, but was gazumped by the move to battery power. Skyactiv is also far too complex to communicate to most buyers in the showroom, and the end results are far less striking in terms of fuel economy. Even the tagline 'Skyactiv' feels like aberrant marketing nonsense. Adding an 'e' to the start of it for the plug-in hybrid version doesn't help. There's no question that Mazda has some of the best engine engineers on the planet. They don't always get it right, but their history of reliability stands them in good stead. Mazda's design language has set the brand on a solid footing for nearly two decades Long-standing Mazda of smart styling but misguided engineering are reflected in the CX-80 Yet they seem to have been slow to embrace the EV revolution. It backed hydrogen as the fuel of the future, partly because its engine expertise could be applied in its usage far more than simply developing electric motors or battery packs. Like Toyota, all that investment in hydrogen hasn't yielded much return, particularly in the mainstream market. When Mazda bit the bullet and developed an EV, what it offered European buyers was the MX-30, a small car with an even smaller range. We've been teased with the great-looking Mazda6e, which promises 550km on a full charge, but that's unlikely to land on this island until next year. Both of these traits – smart styling but misguided engineering – are reflected in the CX-80. For a big SUV, it looks impressively smart. Premium brands, with their overworked creases (BMW, we're looking at you) and awkward front noses (Audi), should study the simple yet stylish lines of this Japanese brand and honour it with imitation. Inside, the CX-80 is again premium plush. It evokes the sense of a mobile sofa. Being the biggest Mazda in the range at nearly five metres in length, you can get it with seven seats or opt for the more opulent six-seater format, where the middle row gets individual seats. Inside, the CX-80 is premium plush, evoking the sense of a mobile sofa The comfort levels in the front are exceptional, epitomised by the lounge-chair softness of the front seats There's plenty of room in the back, even in the third row with the middle row slid forward a touch The CX-80 offers 258 litres of boot space with all seven seats in use The comfort levels in the front are exceptional, epitomised by the lounge-chair softness of the front seats. The finish is more old-school than the current trends, from the use of wood to the tendency to retain buttons and a big click-wheel controller for the infotainment screen, which is also a touchscreen. Think luxury executive saloon from circa 2000 rather than cutting-edge EV. Some will find the format and the infotainment graphics dated, but I suspect many Mazda buyers will appreciate the more conservative approach, again epitomising its approach to the new EV age, steady but restrained. As you'd expect, there's plenty of room in the back, even in the third row with the middle row slid forward a touch. Headroom is decent too, and that's because this is actually a stretched version of the CX-60, where engineers have added an extra 250mm in length and 24mm in height to accommodate that third row of seats. [ Electric vehicle Q&A: What if I can't charge at home? Opens in new window ] All is positive about this car, until we take to the road. In EV mode, it cruises along and can hit just over 50 km on full-battery power, which is close to its 61 km of claimed distance, before the engine is called upon to lend a hand. The 2.5-litre petrol engine (yes, Skyactiv) can be a little gruff for its size, but it's the way it handles the regular transition between engine and electric that proves most annoying. A claimed 0–100 km/h time of just 6.8 seconds seems ambitious unless you are in EV mode. And if you do manage it, then it's going to be accompanied by a lot of engine noise. The CX-80 weighs in at 2.2 tonnes and the ride quality isn't always up for the ruts and bumps of Irish roads So, it's a cruiser then, except the CX-80 weighs in at 2.2 tonnes and the ride quality isn't always up for the ruts and bumps of Irish roads. While the car is undoubtedly agile for its size and the steering feel is assured, it's hard to ignore the wallowing ride. It's great to see someone deliver a seven-seat plug-in hybrid at a price point that's not tipping towards six figures. Consider the comfort levels and the styling, and the CX-80 should do well among family buyers, but it's up against some SUV heavyweights. Its main rivals come from Korea in the form of the Hyundai Santa Fe, starting at €66,995, and the Kia Sorento at €63,300. Both boast all the modern touches, spacious, comfortable cabins and, though they sometimes feel a little underpowered, a more refined hybrid transition between engine and electric. On paper, Mazda's reticence to embrace EVs as quickly as others seems sensible, given the rocky sales they went through last year. Yet it has given ground to other Asian rivals, and when it does make the leap, a revival might be tougher going. The CX-80 epitomises the quandary Mazda finds itself in: smart car, nicely designed, but misdirected engineering efforts seem to be coming up short. Lowdown: Mazda CX-80 Phev Exclusive Power: 2,488cc petrol engine combined with 129kW electric motor powered from 17.8kWh battery pack and eight-speed auto transmission delivering a total output of 241kW and 500Nm of torque with four-wheel drive CO2 emissions (annual motor tax): 36g/km (€140). Fuel consumption: 1.6L/100km (WLTP) Claimed EV-only range: 61km 0-100km/h: 6.8 secs. Price: €62,380 Our rating: 3/5 Verdict: Looks great, delivers on comfort but let down by ride quality and hybrid set-up out on the road
News18
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- News18
Renault Opens Design Centre In Chennai, Plans To Launch 5 Cars In India By 2027
Last Updated: Located close to the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI), this hub will speed up innovation and teamwork across design and engineering departments. Renault India, the fully owned arm of France's Renault Group, has taken a major step towards reshaping its India strategy. The company officially launched its brand-new Renault Design Centre in Chennai, marking the beginning of its bold new approach—'renault. rethink', aimed at designing cars in India, for India. Why Chennai? A Strategic Choice The newly launched Renault Design Centre in Chennai is expected to play a vital role in the brand's vision of 'design in India" while building on its strong 'make in India" foundation. Furthermore, it covers 1,500 square metres and is packed with high-tech tools and modern spaces. Its strategic location next to Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI) makes it a centre for excellence and faster innovation. 'Its strategic location – at the heart of RNTBCI's excellence hub – also enables closer collaboration across functions and faster integration of design into our engineering and innovation processes," said Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer, Renault Group. What's inside the Design Centre? The Chennai centre is packed with futuristic tools, including: Deep localisation (90 percent of parts made in India) A fully owned plant soon to be taken over from the Renault-Nissan alliance Fresh brand positioning and customer experiences. The renault. rethink Sculpture: All You Need To Know At the heart of the centre stands a unique art piece – the 'renault. rethink' sculpture. It's not just an artwork but a symbol of Renault's transformation, innovation, and commitment to India. Highlights of the sculpture: 'The opening of new design centre in Chennai will play a crucial role in the deployment of the Renault International Game Plan 2027," Country CEO & MD, Renault India. The Bigger Picture: Global Vision, Local Execution Renault sees 2025 as a turning point in India. The company aims to strengthen its local roots with: 90 percent local parts sourcing A proposed 100 percent ownership of its manufacturing plant RNAIPL Chennai-based R&D centre with 10,000+ engineers Contribution to both local and global Renault projects.
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Renault strengthens India presence with design centre in Chennai
Renault is strengthening its presence in India with the launch of its largest design centre outside Europe in Chennai. This strategic move supports the French carmaker's plan to introduce five new models in the country over the next three to five years. The new centre, built with an initial investment of 1.5 million, will serve as a key pillar of Renault's International Gameplan 2027, aimed at expanding its footprint in emerging markets. The initiative also marks a shift in Renault's alliance with Nissan. Renault set to acquire Nissan's 51% stake in their Indian joint venture. 'All employees are being absorbed, and operations will continue as usual,' said Venkatram Mamillapalle, CEO and country managing director, Renault India. The Chennai facility will focus on models designed for Indian consumers while also contributing to global projects. 'We began our design journey in Pune and Mumbai before the Chennai plant came into being,' said Laurens van den Acker, chief design officer, Renault Group. 'We later consolidated operations in Chennai to work more closely with our R&D and engineering teams at RTCbi.' Renault has since closed its Pune and Mumbai studios, and the Chennai centre is now three times the size of its former Mumbai facility. The centre features advanced tools, including 3D model evaluation zones, VR integration, and an 8.5-metre-wide LED wall. Renault is also developing an electric vehicle for both the Indian and international markets. Despite earlier successes with models like the Duster and Kwid, the company has faced challenges competing with Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai in recent years. To regain momentum, Renault is focusing on deep localisation-it already manufactures vehicles in India with up to 90% local content. The company is also moving to take full ownership of its Chennai plant, previously part of its alliance with Nissan. The new design centre's philosophy, Tactile Confluence, blends European minimalism with Indian cultural elements, reflecting Renault's growing commitment to India.
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Renault's design centre to tailor car models for India
Renault India, a fully owned subsidiary of Renault Group, unveiled its new India-centric transformation strategy – renault. rethink with the inauguration of the Renault Design Centre Chennai. The new centre, inaugurated on Tuesday, will play a significant role in enabling this transformation and accelerating Renault's ambition to 'design in India' following its strong 'make in India' foundation, the French car maker said. It is also expected to function as a hub of excellence, particularly due to its proximity to RNTBCI (Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India), it added. 'India is highly unique and locally driven. Having a dedicated design studio is essential to understanding its nuances, listening to its needs, and building from its strengths. The Renault Design Centre Chennai will focus on developing models and concepts tailored to the Indian market while contributing to Renault Group's global projects,' Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer, Renault Group said. 'By leveraging local talents and insights, this centre will play a key role in shaping Renault's future mobility solutions. Its strategic location - at the heart of RNTBCI's excellence hub - also enables closer collaboration across functions and faster integration of design into our engineering and innovation processes,' he added. The company said the renault. rethink strategy represents its renewed and bold commitment to orchestrate and propel it's new journey in India. 'The opening of new design centre in Chennai will play a crucial role in the deployment of the Renault International Game Plan 2027. Our commitment is to redefine our brand, product positioning, and customer experience to meet the evolving needs of our customers in the country, hence we recently witnessed the global debut of new 'R store' in Chennai, India,' Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO and Managing Director, Renault India Operations said. The carmaker has targets to achieve up to 90% localisation in India. Recently it had announcement the 100% takeover of the alliance's manufacturing plant in Chennai.
