LG Electronics supplies cockpit for Renault's New Trafic E-Tech Electric

LG Electronics has been chosen to deliver an integrated cockpit solution for Renault Group's New Trafic E-Tech Electric. This is the automaker's first mass-produced commercial vehicle built on a software-defined vehicle architecture. LG's solution integrates control of the instrument cluster and infotainment system as a key control platform for the cockpit domain, optimized for software-defined vehicles.

Solution integrates instrument cluster and infotainment under unified control

LG's solution combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system into a single control platform. The instrument cluster provides driving information such as vehicle speed, revolutions per minute, and warning indicators. The infotainment unit handles navigation and media playback.

This integrated design allows driving-related and entertainment content to appear with greater consistency across vehicle screens. It enables a more intuitive and unified user experience.

SDV architecture enables OTA updates and long-term flexibility

Software-defined vehicles use high-performance computing and a centralized software architecture to integrate control of multiple vehicle functions. This enables the continuous addition of new features and upgrades via over-the-air software updates.

LG noted that software-defined vehicles can receive new features and improvements to existing ones through these over-the-air updates. This marks a shift from traditional vehicle architectures where control functions are distributed across dozens of electronic control units assigned to specific areas like the cockpit, ADAS, or powertrain.

LG highlights cost reduction and UX expertise from broader tech experience

LG states its integrated design helps automakers reduce production costs. Manufacturers may see lower costs due to fewer components and a leaner system layout.

The product builds on LG's experience in automotive infotainment development. The company also cited its software and user experience expertise from its mobile, television, and home appliance businesses.

Longstanding Renault-LG partnership showed by supplier recognition

LG has a long-standing partnership with Renault Group. The automaker named LG an outstanding supplier in 2014, 2017, and 2020.

In 2021, the two companies jointly developed an Android-based automotive infotainment system. Eun Seok-hyun, the president of LG Vehicle Solution Company, stated that building on their close collaboration with Renault Group and other global automakers, LG will continue to advance the core technologies and solutions needed to support the mobility industry’s transition to software-defined vehicles.

The vehicle receiving this cockpit solution, the New Trafic E-Tech Electric, has received the International Van of the Year award. LG plans to expand partnerships with major global automakers across North America, Asia, and other key markets to advance cockpit technologies for the mobility industry’s transition to software-defined vehicles.