Renault India, the wholly owned subsidiary of Renault Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to strengthen its vehicle research and development capabilities in India.
Under the collaboration, Renault India will utilise IIT Kanpur’s National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWTF) for advanced aerodynamic and wind-noise testing of its passenger vehicles. The partnership brings together Renault’s global engineering expertise and IIT Kanpur’s advanced research infrastructure to support the development of vehicles with improved efficiency, safety and performance.
Access to the facility will enable Renault India to validate vehicle aerodynamic characteristics and wind-noise performance against defined engineering targets, supporting precise product development and optimisation.
Speaking on the partnership, Dr. Vikraman V, Chief of Engineering, Renault Group India, said: “This partnership marks an important step in strengthening Renault’s engineering capabilities in India. By collaborating with IIT Kanpur and leveraging the National Wind Tunnel Facility, we are bringing together world-class research infrastructure and Renault’s global engineering expertise to develop futuREady vehicles. This collaboration also reflects India’s growing importance within Renault’s global innovation and engineering ecosystem.”
Prof. Dr. Alakesh Chandra Mandal, Department of Aerospace Engineering & Co-Ordinator, NWTF, said: “We are pleased to partner with Renault India in advancing automotive research and development. This collaboration highlights the versatility of the National Wind Tunnel Facility and represents an important opportunity to extend our expertise beyond aerospace applications to support innovation in the automotive sector.”
The NWTF features a continuous closed-jet test section measuring 3.0 m x 2.25 m and supports aerodynamic evaluations at speeds ranging from 80 km/h to 280 km/h. The facility is being upgraded to support testing at speeds exceeding 400 km/h.
The MoU also establishes a framework covering commercial engagement, intellectual property management and confidentiality between Renault India and IIT Kanpur.
