Renault said access to the facility will allow its engineering teams to conduct more precise validation of vehicle aerodynamics and wind-noise performance during product development.Renault India has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to strengthen its vehicle research and development capabilities, with the automaker set to use the institute’s National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWTF) for aerodynamic and wind-noise testing of its passenger vehicles.
The collaboration aims to enhance vehicle development by validating aerodynamic performance and wind-noise characteristics, supporting improvements in efficiency, safety and overall vehicle performance.
“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 enables aerodynamic testing at speeds ranging from 80 km/h to 280 km/h and is currently being upgraded to support testing at speeds exceeding 400 km/h. Renault said access to the facility will allow its engineering teams to conduct more precise validation of vehicle aerodynamics and wind-noise performance during product development.
According to IIT Kanpur, the collaboration also broadens the facility’s application beyond aerospace research into the automotive sector.
“This collaboration highlights the versatility of the National Wind Tunnel Facility and represents an important opportunity to extend our expertise beyond aerospace applications,” said Alakesh Chandra Mandal, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Coordinator, NWTF, IIT Kanpur.
The partnership is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering commercial engagement, intellectual property management and confidentiality.
