[Homo Muvens] "Over 90% of Cars in 2030 Will Be Connectivity-Based, Prepare Accordingly"

Choi Seong-gyu, Head of Central Research Institute at Renault Korea Motors

Homo Movens means a moving (movens) human. It tells the story of those who handle vehicles.

Choi Sung-kyu, Head of Central Research Institute at Renault Korea Motors. Taken in front of the compact SUV XM3, which Renault Korea led the development of and is popular overseas, including Europe.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Daeyeol] "If electric vehicles or autonomous driving focused on the vehicle or driver, the connectivity to be unfolded in the future is highly likely to break down barriers not only between vehicles but also between industries. In that regard, the rich software development capabilities of domestic ventures, IT infrastructure, and the competitiveness of parts industries with accumulated experience are great assets. These must be well integrated."

Choi Seong-gyu, head of the Central Research Institute at Renault Korea Motors, clearly shows how recent automobile development is progressing. While making cars that are high-performance, safe, and attractive is basic, we are imagining future cars that go beyond tools for mobility to become interconnected and capable of communication.

In a recent interview with Asia Economy, Choi said, "By 2030, more than 90% of vehicles will be based on connectivity," adding, "How and what to do is a matter that not only the automobile industry but our entire society must consider together."

The in-car payment system developed while Choi was previously the executive in charge of system engineering is the result of such considerations about connectivity. Inside the vehicle, users can pre-order and pay at convenience stores or restaurants all at once and receive route guidance. He said it took about half a year to create the system after the initial idea was conceived.

Technologies and systems scattered everywhere were harmoniously linked, and countless simulations were conducted. Recently, based on user demand, about 40 popular restaurants in the metropolitan area were added, entering an expansion phase. It is gaining attention as a win-win model that not only enhances driver convenience but also revitalizes the surrounding commercial districts.

Renault Korea's in-car payment system in operation. It allows ordering, payment, and pickup all at once inside the car.

Choi joined Samsung Motors at its inception and held key positions in quality and research and development (R&D) fields. In February this year, he became the second Korean to lead Renault Technologie Korea (RTK). RTK is a place that can fully handle all development stages from new car design to performance testing and is ranked second in terms of achievements and scale within Renault's global R&D network. It is said to be right after the Renault headquarters research center in France.

Renault entrusted RTK with the intermediate development of the multimedia system for Austral, the next-generation compact SUV. This is because RTK's capabilities have been recognized. Choi said, "Recently, the importance of media and infotainment systems has increased to the extent that cars are likened to huge electronic devices," adding, "(Vehicle electronics) is a field where Korean companies have strengths, and RTK's status in Renault's entire R&D network has risen accordingly."

Renault, after winning the '2022 Voiture de l'Ann?e' which corresponds to France's Car of the Year, delivered the trophy to Renault Korea earlier last month. The key developers of the XM3, including Director Choi Seong-gyu (left in the photo)

Renault Korea removed Samsung from its name and marked this year as the first year of a new beginning. While planning to launch the small SUV XM3 Hybrid domestically around the second half of this year, it must also cope with increasingly stringent environmental regulations, including eco-friendly new cars being developed with China's Geely and Sweden's Volvo, targeting release in 2024. The exterior design of the eco-friendly new car based on Volvo's CMA platform is being prepared jointly by Renault headquarters and RTK. Choi emphasized, "Engineers must ultimately keep in mind that they are also businessmen and develop with consideration of the car's scalability and connectivity."