Renault recently showcased its autonomous drive technologies in the Renault Espace to a select group of European policy makers, including 28 transport ministers from the European Union (EU), all of whom gathered in Amsterdam to sign the Amsterdam Declaration in favour of autonomous vehicles.
Three Renault Espace Autonomous Drive demonstrators were unveiled. According to the brand, said demonstrators have undergone hundreds of hours in ordinary traffic across Europe. It utilises six different sensors including ultrasonic sensors, digital cameras, corner radars, laser scanners, a trifocal camera and a long-range front radar to scan the vehicle’s surroundings.
“Our autonomous vehicle project aims to enable customers to fully delegate driving, what is called ‘eyes-off’ and ‘hands-off.’ Eyes-off – drivers no longer have to keep their eyes on the road. Hands-off – drivers no longer have to keep their hands on the wheel. Thus, drivers can do other things instead of driving,” explained Eric Debernard, innovation project manager – autonomous driving.
“In the short term, Renault will offer vehicles with autonomous mode on highways in heavy traffic. In the medium term, such vehicles will be able to operate at higher speeds and manage automatic lane changes,” the narrator stated in the video.
Meanwhile, Renault announced that it’s committed to introducing its version of autonomous vehicles by 2020. The brand carries with it the ambition to become the first to offer “eyes-off/hands-off” tech on mainstream vehicles at an affordable price. This, as an ongoing commitment to extend efforts on safety.
GALLERY: Renault Espace at the 2014 Paris Motor Show
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
