IIT Kanpur, Renault India partner to enhance automotive research, development for passenger vehicles

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) has partnered with Renault India to boost vehicle research and development capabilities in India. As part of the collaboration, Renault India will use IIT Kanpur’s National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWRF) to conduct advanced aerodynamic and wind-noise testing for its passenger vehicles.

According to an official statement, Renault India will take help from IIT Kanpur’s facility to develop future-ready vehicles through innovation, advanced engineering, and collaboration with leading Indian research institutions.

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."

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Renault India to use IIT Kanpur's NWTF for aeradynamic reseach

The partnership will integrate Renault’s engineering expertise with IIT Kanpur’s testing and research facilities to support the development of vehicles that deliver efficiency, safety, and performance.

“Through access to the NWTF, Renault India will be able to validate vehicle aerodynamic characteristics and wind-noise performance against defined engineering targets, enabling more precise product development and optimisation,” the statement read.

Alakesh Chandra Mandal, department of aerospace engineering and 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 is India's first state-of-the-art facility of its kind. It features a continuous closed-jet test section measuring 3.0 m x 2.25 m, enabling highly accurate aerodynamic evaluations at speeds ranging from 80 km/h to 280 km/h. The facility is currently being upgraded to support testing at speeds exceeding 400 km/h, further enhancing its advanced research capabilities,” the institute said.

The partnership has established a framework governing commercial engagement, intellectual property management, and confidentiality, ensuring a transparent and mutually beneficial partnership between Renault India and IIT Kanpur, it added.