Renault Partners With IIT Kanpur for Vehicle Aerodynamics, Wind-Noise Testing

Renault India has signed a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to strengthen its vehicle research and development capabilities in the country through advanced aerodynamic and wind-noise testing.

As part of the collaboration, Renault India will use IIT Kanpur's National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWTF) to evaluate the aerodynamic characteristics and wind-noise performance of its passenger vehicles. The company said the partnership is intended to support product development by validating vehicles against predefined engineering targets.

"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 future-ready vehicles," said Dr Vikraman V, Chief of Engineering, Renault Group India.

The National Wind Tunnel Facility features a continuous closed-jet test section measuring 3.0 m x 2.25 m and supports aerodynamic testing at speeds ranging from 80 km/h to 280 km/h. According to IIT Kanpur, the facility is being upgraded to accommodate testing at speeds exceeding 400 km/h.

The collaboration will operate under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that outlines the framework for commercial engagement, intellectual property management and confidentiality between the two organisations.