Recognized among motorists, with 20 million monthly active users in France, Waze is a must-have in-car community navigation app. For the first time, a car manufacturer integrates it directly into its infotainment system: it’s Renault that opens the ball with the Google-based OpenR Link multimedia system.

“Renault is the first car brand to offer Waze directly on the car’s multimedia screen, without smartphone activation. We are confident that many Waze users will appreciate this new feature when they drive the New Austral or Mégane E-Tech Electric. This is clearly in line with our strategy to offer our customers an intuitive, engaging and connected driving experience.”Jérôme Seror, Renault’s director of digital customer experience, said on this occasion

Renault integrates the Waze app into the Austral and Mégane E-Tech Electric

To start, the Waze application will be offered in OpenR Link multimedia system with integrated Google, which the models are equipped with Renault Austral and Mégane E-Tech Electric. The well-known application can be used directly on the 12-inch touch screen of the two latest models of the French manufacturer, which will provide users with more comfort and safety.

Thus, the application will work without connecting to a smartphone and provide access to real-time traffic information, favorite routes and saved destinations. Other functions of the infotainment system will still be available in parallel, such as multimedia playback or car settings.

no need for a smartphone and its bulky accessories. #Waze smart navigation app offers with #Reno integration with the on-board openR link system: large screen, focused driving without notifications and stopping suction cups on the windshield pic.twitter.com/WkNePDHhMG

— Renault France (@renault_fr) December 6, 2022

Renault and Waze: how to use it?

The Renault-developed Waze app is available in European markets for all Renault Austral and Mégane E-Tech Electric customers who have an OpenR touchscreen and an OpenR Link system with Google built-in.

Users can easily download and install the Waze app for OpenR Link in several ways: either directly in the Google Play via the touchscreen of the OpenR Link system in your car or from the mobile app My Renault. The use of the service is freeand you can create a Waze account or use an existing Waze account.

Renault and Waze: release in 2023

While the Renault Austral and Mégane E-Tech Electric are the first models to be compatible with the Waze onboard app, other Renault models should be compatible by 2023:

“As more Waze users join us on in-car platforms and as this type of technology continues to evolve, it’s important that we provide them with the best possible driving experience. That is why we are happy and proud to announce our partnership with Renault. The integration of real-time routes, navigation and Waze notifications on the screen of the next generation of Renault cars ensures a smoother and simpler driving experience. In 2023, we look forward to bringing this completely new driving experience to as many users as possible around the world.”says Aaron Di Castro, Director of Marketing and Partnerships at Waze.

Waze or Google Maps? Auto Plus compares two of the most popular navigation apps at the moment. You can make your choice about their advantages and disadvantages after reading this article. https://t.co/w3qxUDNY3t

— AutoPlus (@AutoPlusMag) October 16, 2022