Renault is turning up the volume on its commitment to sonic innovation with the renewal of its creative partnership with iconic composer and electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre. Originally launched in 2022, this avant-garde collaboration has now been extended through to 2028, with a more ambitious, future-facing goal: to push the boundaries of immersive audio design and redefine the in-car sound experience for Renault’s next generation of vehicles.
A Visionary Collaboration, Reimagined
At the core of this extended partnership is a shared ambition to create an exceptional and emotionally resonant audio environment that integrates seamlessly into the vehicle design process. Jarre, whose artistic legacy spans decades of innovation in electronic music, continues to work closely with Renault’s UX/UI design and engineering teams at the Technocentre, alongside the esteemed IRCAM (Institute for Research and Coordination in Acoustics/Music), leading audio suppliers, and a network of creative collaborators.
Renault and Jarre are now looking beyond traditional automotive soundscapes. Their sights are set on harnessing cutting-edge technologies—including artificial intelligence—to introduce contextual sound experiences that adapt to a vehicle’s environment, the driver’s mood, or even the nature of the journey. These next-level innovations aim to elevate sound from a passive feature to a dynamic, mood-enhancing element of the driving experience.
From Signature Sounds to Sensory Symphony
The initial phase of the partnership laid the foundation for Renault’s evolving sonic identity. This included the development of signature soundscapes tailored to different driving scenarios, custom welcome tones that greet occupants as they enter the vehicle, and the creation of a Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) designed specifically for Renault’s E-Tech electric and hybrid line-up.
This VSP—co-designed with IRCAM—goes beyond safety; it adds character and brand recognisability to Renault vehicles navigating urban environments. With different iterations, including an “Iconic” version for the Renault 4 and 5 E-Tech electric models and a distinct variant for the performance-oriented Esprit Alpine line, the sound design reflects Renault’s vision for responsible and emotionally engaging mobility.
An Audio-Led Approach to Future Models
The renewed partnership aligns with Renault’s product development roadmap for the next four years, ensuring that Jarre’s sonic innovations are integrated from the ground up in upcoming vehicle models. This holistic approach guarantees that future Renault drivers and passengers will experience a level of audio immersion that is as refined and forward-thinking as the vehicles themselves.
Guido Haak, Chief Program Officer at Renault Group, emphasises the strategic importance of this collaboration:
“The original inspiration came from Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, who wanted Renault vehicles to deliver superior sound quality, creating an exceptional listening environment. The partnership reflects our own spirit of innovation as well as the groundbreaking approach that has always been part of Jean-Michel Jarre’s work.”
For Jarre, the journey with Renault represents more than an artistic endeavour—it’s a creative mission to bring world-class audio to everyday mobility:
“After three years of exciting and fruitful collaboration, the adventure continues! I am very happy to be working alongside Renault to develop innovative technologies and extraordinary experiences in the fields of audio and sound design. Together with Luca and his teams, we are committed to producing the best sound for everyone and making sound enjoyment a key asset of the Renault brand.”
Pioneering the Future of Automotive Acoustics
As the automotive industry continues its rapid evolution, Renault and Jean-Michel Jarre’s extended partnership signals a bold new era in which sound design takes centre stage—not only as a functional component but as an integral part of how drivers and passengers connect with their vehicles.
In a world increasingly defined by electrification, digital interfaces, and AI-driven innovation, the “Renault x JMJ” collaboration is proof that the future of mobility will sound as good as it looks.
