Renault opens new R&D office to expand China engineering footprint

Renault Group said on Monday it has opened a new R&D office in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, under its Advanced China Development Center, expanding its research and development presence in China alongside its existing Shanghai facility.

The Hangzhou office will focus on software development, artificial intelligence and user experience technologies, while the Shanghai one will continue to specialize in hardware integration, powertrain systems and full-vehicle engineering.

The two-site structure is designed to combine software and hardware capabilities to support Renault's global vehicle programs.

Renault said the expanded setup will turn ACDC into a competence centre under its futuREady strategy, aimed at accelerating technology readiness for international markets.

"The ACDC Hangzhou R&D office strengthens our ability to connect with China's innovation ecosystem and engineering talent," said Philippe Brunet, chief technology officer of Renault Group and head of ACDC.

"Within the futuREady framework, ACDC will continue to act as a technology compass while improving development speed, competitiveness and quality for global projects."

The company said ACDC will increasingly leverage China's capabilities in electrification, software and artificial intelligence to support global vehicle development.

It cited the Twingo E-Tech program as an example, saying the project was completed in 22 months with support from Chinese partners, highlighting what it described as improved engineering efficiency and coordination.

Following that project, ACDC will also contribute to upcoming global programs, including next-generation A-segment electric vehicles for Dacia and Nissan, as well as models based on the RGEA platform for markets such as Brazil.

Renault China Chairman and CEO Weiming Soh said the new Hangzhou office would further strengthen software and AI capabilities in China.

"We are working to translate China's innovation speed and ecosystem advantages into long-term value for Renault Group," he said.