Category: Interviews

At a time when the automotive industry is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history, driven by environmental regulations, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is charting an electrified course while retaining its DNA.

In an exclusive interview, Léo Lubrano, Head of Press & PR France at JLR, talks to us about the British group’s vision, dilemmas and ambitions.

JLR, a complete luxury brand

Born in 2013 from the union of two icons of British motoring, Jaguar and Land Rover(JLR) has built on a heritage of luxury and automotive prestige.

Jaguar stands for elegance, sportiness and exceptional motoring performance, while Land Rover, parent company of Range Rover, Defender and Discovery, embodies ruggedness, adventure and world-renowned off-road expertise, becoming over the decades synonymous with refinement and absolute comfort.

“The Group’s objective is really to create a universe for each brand. They each have their own universe, always guided by strong ambitions for robustness, elegance and purity of line, in order to target the luxury segment of the automotive sector.”

Jaguar is now the embodiment of modern, assertive luxury, guided by the logic of ‘copy nothing’ (vehicles that are seen nowhere else and that break the mould). Jaguar is completely renewing itself with a 100% electric range.

At Range Rover, “we really cultivate luxury, elegance, charisma and pure lines. To achieve this, we explore the alpine, nautical and design worlds.

“The Defender, on the other hand, embodies the values of robustness, adventurousness and adventure. We’re putting more emphasis on what we call top luxury. It’s still a JLR Group brand, but this time it’s developed around the adjectives that have made the brand’s reputation: surpassing oneself and taking on new challenges.

Finally, Discovery retains its role as a versatile, top-of-the-range family SUV with a focus on travel.

A long-term vision

In order to meet European standards for the electrification of vehicle fleets, the British group has had to adapt and transform its models. The first of the Group’s brands to become 100% electric is Jaguar: “While our aim is to make this change as smoothly as possible, with Jaguar it has been much more radical. We have decided to relaunch the brand by producing vehicles powered solely by electric motors from 2026.

Jaguar is therefore completely changing its vision, embodied by the Jaguar Type 00, which will be the symbol of the brand’s renewal. “It will serve as a template for future vehicles to be released, the first of which will be the 100% electric 4-door GT Coupé.”

For the other brands in the JLR Group, the change will come in stages: “Apart from Jaguar, the first zero-emission vehicle will be the 100% electric Range Rover, which will come out in 2026. And then the EV range will gradually follow for all the brands”.

This is a clear, progressive policy for a group with clear ambitions: “The Group’s objective is to achieve zero carbon emissions for all its activities by 2039, including production. This fundamental transition therefore involves our ability to increase our electricity production, with the first solar projects starting up at JLR’s production centres in Gaydon, Haywood and Wolverhampton. Above all, we are maintaining our production capacity by refurbishing our factories.

As Mr Lubrano explains, JLR’s intention is not to make this transition abrupt, but to take the time to produce ultra-luxurious vehicles: “We have to adapt to the laws in terms of fleet electrification, but our aim is to produce efficient cars because one of the primary characteristics of our vehicles, whether for Defender, Range Rover, Discovery or Jaguar, is to make ultra-high-performance vehicles.”

Beyond the performance aspect, another of the brand’s strong personality traits is the comfort found in Range Rover, and with the entry into the range of 100% electric vehicles, this comfort will only increase: “This electrification will go in the direction of additional comfort. So for us, the message of transition to the brand’s regular customers is easy to deliver. All these facts mean that we have nothing to deny, quite the contrary. Going electric will be a real advantage for Range Rover. We’ll be able to go even further in creating this cocoon, this real living room on wheels.

Scepticism soon forgotten

The switch to electric vehicles means an entire ecosystem has been turned upside down. While manufacturers are having to adapt, so too are customers and consumers – a change that could have upset them.

The JLR Group brings together a number of the world’s iconic automotive brands. Jaguar, a century-old brand that has built its reputation as an engine manufacturer with the Le Mans 24 Hours, among others, faces a real challenge in maintaining the confidence of the brand’s fans.

“The announcement of the 100% electric car was greeted with a little scepticism, but that’s to be expected because the change has been radical. The launch of the Type 00 at the beginning of the year at Place Vendôme in Paris gave us the opportunity to invite loyal customers and journalists to explain why and how we got to this point and why we succeeded in creating this vehicle. If people were sceptical, after hearing the reasons for the change, they were completely unanimous that this is a spectacular vehicle that breaks the mould, but is true to the philosophy of Jaguar and its founder William Lyons.”

As for the Group’s other vehicles, while the transition to 100% electric vehicles is not yet complete, Léo Lubrano is not worried about how they will be received by the public. For him, it’s going to happen quite naturally “because one of the brand’s hallmarks is comfort and the living-room-on-wheels aspect, so it’s going to be quite simple to build around that”. I’m convinced that this transition will take a few years, and that’s normal.

Revised sales targets

This change in approach has led to a rethink of the British brand’s sales targets. “For the last few years, there has been growth, so obviously the aim is to keep up the momentum. The year 2025 is a bit special for the luxury car sector at the moment.

Indeed, the global economic context (economic slowdown, high inflation and high interest rates) is putting off purchases by luxury customers, a tense situation for a sector that is not immune.

For the JLR Group, there are a number of factors that make it impossible to draw any conclusions about sales figures: “In addition to this national and international context, there was a cyber-incident that we suffered in September, when production lines were interrupted. Obviously, this had a direct impact on sales, so for us it’s difficult to draw any interpretable sales results from it.”

Despite the difficulties faced by the entire automotive sector, Jaguar Land Rover explains that its sales ambitions have been rethought in the light of the brand’s clear desire to establish itself in the luxury segment of the sector:

“Since the launch of the Reimagine strategy, production volume has been reduced, especially initially, in order to move upmarket. The quality of our vehicles has improved, with purer materials and increasingly high-performance equipment; conversely, production volume has fallen slightly to move away from the premium vehicle segment and closer to the world of luxury”.

“For the coming year, we know it’s going to be a year of transition. Sales are going to follow, thanks to our iconic models, which are proving highly successful. One of the Group’s strong characteristics is resilience, and when we look back at past events, we always manage to generate growth. True luxury is to endure in a changing world.

Didier Malga is a passionate motorsport driver, specialising in electric and hydrogen vehicles. After competing in regional rallies, he discovered new energy vehicles in 2015. He quickly established himself as a leading figure in electric rallying, becoming a world champion in his first season. He is now behind the creation of the French round of the World Championship of Énergies Nouvelles rallies, which will take place in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in June 2026.

Can you tell us about your motorsport background?
Didier Malga: II started very young with regional tarmac rallies, driven by passion. I competed for several years before pausing to focus on my professional and family life. I returned in the late 2000s, initially with historic vehicles, including 1970s sports cars, and then, by chance, entered the field of new energy vehicles in 2015.

We discovered this discipline during our participation in the E-Rallye Monte-Carlo, on the suggestion of the Automobile Club of Monaco, alongside my co-driver. At the time, the “alternative energy” category was very broad: electric, hydrogen, E85, biofuels… We competed with a 208 GTI running on E85 and finished fifth. The following year, with a Tesla, we finished third, then won in 2017. This victory allowed us to enter the World Championship, where we became champions in our very first season.

Since then, we have continued our involvement, despite seasons complicated by crew availability and the pandemic. This led us to focus on the French Championship and the creation of our French round, to provide a true driving force for electric motorsport in France.

What attracts you to electric rallying?
D.M. : What appealed to me most was the novelty and the sense of discovery. Electric vehicles behave very differently, with a low centre of gravity, instant acceleration, and exceptional handling. It’s a real pleasure to drive, even managing powers from 400 to 700 horsepower.

In addition, organising it is much simpler: no heavy support is needed as in combustion engines, maintenance is minimal, and budgets are more accessible. This also attracts financial partners, drawn to the innovation and modern image of the discipline.

We regularly run driving experiences and electric driving coaching to show participants that these vehicles are not only environmentally friendly, but also high-performing and fun to drive.

What is the future of electric motorsport in your view?
D.M.: The future is clear and irreversible. Two main drivers are pushing it forward: public health and climate. Over 40,000 deaths in France each year are linked to fine particles, making the energy transition inevitable.

Electric motorsport plays an educational role: it demonstrates performance and driving pleasure, encouraging the public to adopt electric mobility faster and in a positive way. It is a tangible catalyst for change.

The E-Rallye Auvergne Rhône-Alpes in June 2026: what is it?
D.M. : After competing internationally, we positioned ourselves to create the French round of the World Championship — which didn’t exist until now. After years of administrative work and organising a first test in late September 2025 with an FIA observer, our event is finally part of the FIA calendar.

This French round, taking place from 19–21 June 2026, is designed as a true showcase for electric motorsport in France. It will bring together world championship drivers and attract new participants, who can later feed into a future French Championship.

The goal is to make the event sustainable, showcase the discipline to the public, and encourage both professionals and enthusiasts to embrace electric mobility.

Why did you choose Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes for the French round?
D.M. : It’s our region, and the route crosses a wide variety of landscapes, from the Alps to the volcanoes of Auvergne, creating an exciting “raid” dimension for participants. Support from the regional council has been crucial, and the route highlights the geographical and tourist richness of the area.

What are your long-term goals for electric rallying in France?
D.M.: To secure and develop the French round, with organisation comparable to the largest international events. We also want to energise electric motorsport across France, including rallies, circuits, and endurance racing.

Advances in batteries and range will soon allow 12- or 24-hour races on circuits, day and night. We are also considering integrating circuit stages into rallies, as is already done for combustion vehicles, to enrich the sporting experience.

Can you tell us about the association created for this round?
D.M.: We created the “E-Rallye Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes” association, stemming from our teams Red Cow Racing and Green Motion, to manage organisation, communication, and finances autonomously. This ensures the event’s longevity and development, keeping its budgets and activities separate from our other operations.

Is France behind Europe in electric motorsport?
D.M. : Not really. France already has four world champions in various electric disciplines: Jean-Éric Vergne in Formula E, Adrien Tambay in ETCR, Sébastien Loeb in Extreme E, and myself in electric rallying. While the daily energy transition is slower, we are ahead in e-motorsport. These successes should be used to promote the discipline and electric mobility to the public.

Any final words?
D.M. : Electric mobility is all about simplicity and enjoyment: less fatigue, minimal maintenance, no fuel, incredible sensations. Range is improving quickly, allowing very long distances without constraint. It’s a modern, accessible, innovative, and exciting sport, showing that the energy transition can be both high-performance and fun.

The editorial team had the opportunity to meet the Devinci teams on their stand at the Lyon Motor Show, to find out more about this real UFO of French car manufacturing.

As we wandered the aisles of the Lyon 2025 Motor Show, our eyes fell on a stand that stood out from the rest, that of Devinci. Cars with the racing style of the 30s and 40s, but powered by 100% electric motors, obviously speak to us at ECO MOTORS NEWS. But Jonathan Rouanet, the French manufacturer’s Sales Director, stops us dead in our tracks: the cars are designed and assembled in their workshop at St-Sulpice-la-Pointe in the Tarn region, using parts made by craftsmen, usually in the region and more rarely in the rest of France. Only the electric motors come from abroad, but from neighbouring countries (Germany, Italy). And the batteries? French, but incorporating imported cells. All these details pique our curiosity a little more, and we took some of Mr Rouanet’s time to tell us a little more about Devinci.

And we start by taking a step back in time. The brand was created in 2017 by its founder Jean-Philippe Dayraut, a designer and racing driver. Named Devinci, in a nod to the great Leonardo, “acomplete artist and engineer, a visionary inventor and creator of timeless works” with whom the company “shares this vision of know-how that is both technical and artistic” according to Jonathan Rouanet, it presented its first prototypes, the D417s, at the 2018 Rétromobile show. These first cars were “deliberately simple, with leaf spring front suspension, front and rear drum brakes, proportions inspired by the 1930s and a range of around 140 km“. The result? 30 orders! In the industry, for a niche manufacturer just starting out, that’s what we call a hit.

Devinci, objet d’art and… marketing tool

In 2019, Devinci inaugurated its current line-up, comprising four finishes of the same model, improved each year: Brigitte (40 examples), Adèle (10 examples), Marianne (10 examples) and Eugénie (5 examples, one for each continent), priced at €58,000, €75,000, €150,000 and €200,000 respectively (excluding tax). This is an important point, because although Jonathan Rouanet doesn’t identify a typical customer – “my youngest customer is in her twenties, my oldest is in her eighties” – he does note that, in addition to “car collectors and lovers of art or beautiful objects, who don’t necessarily own other cars“, most owners of Devinci models are “company directors who use the vehicle as a marketing tool, for example for estate agencies or 5-star hotels“. In fact, he claims that, more than just cars, Brigitte, Marianne, Adèle and Eugénie serve above all to transcribe values and convey a message more effectively than with more traditional means of communication. And that’s thanks to its positioning.

“We are positioned in a completely atypical niche, at the crossroads of several worlds: art and the automobile, industry and craftsmanship, the ancient and the modern“. The result is a real car, thanks to the founder’s “solid experience in motor racing – Formula Renault 3.5, Super Touring, rallies such as the Dakar“, but with the look of a rolling, chic, vintage work of art, all powered by modern electric power. The brand has already delivered its cars to some twenty countries around the world, and generates more than half its sales abroad.

Big ambitions

And there’s no end in sight for this “continuous and permanent improvement” manufacturer, which has just presented a new front end for its Eugénie model, as well as new Italian engines reserved for the top-of-the-range versions. As Jonathan Rouanet sums up, “each change is an opportunity for a new homologation“, but always with the same ambition: “Tocontinue to promote French excellence on the border between art and the automobile“. And it seemed to work at the Lyon 2025 Motor Show, as the Devinci stand was packed with people, all intrigued by these vehicles that were as anachronistic as they were desirable – further proof, if any were needed, that electric can go hand in hand with chic.

Interview with Jean-Luc Coupez and Daniel Kovacs, founders of E-Mobility Expert

Created in 2021, E-Mobility Expert is a consultancy dedicated to electromobility. Its ambition is to guide companies through the transition, from CSR analysis to the practical deployment of charging stations and sustainable mobility solutions. Meet its two passionate directors: Jean-Luc Coupez, founder, and Daniel Kovacs, associate general manager.

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
Jean-Luc Coupez: I’m the founder of E-Mobility Expert, a consultancy specialising in the world of electric mobility. After more than 15 years in the electric mobility sector, I wanted to continue to contribute by embarking on this new adventure after my retirement.

Daniel Kovacs: I’m a consultant in electromobility and recharging infrastructures. One year later, I joined Jean-Luc with the desire to bring a global and agile vision.

How did the E-Mobility Expert adventure come about?
Jean-Luc Coupez: I launched the company in 2021, with the idea of broadening the technical approach to include a CSR and sustainable development dimension. The partnership with the Auddicé group enabled us to bring in this expertise.

Daniel Kovacs: For me, it was an opportunity to move from a large group to a more flexible structure, while retaining a real sense of rigour. Three years on, the gamble has paid off: we have the responsiveness of a small team and the solidity of a group.

What sets you apart in the market?
JL.C: Experience. I took part in the first interministerial working groups that led to the European Type 2 standard, and then to the Combo CCS for fast recharging.

Our expertise covers both the technical side – developing, installing and upgrading bollards – and the regulatory side – helping foreign manufacturers to comply with French regulations.

Why did you join the Auddicé group?
JL.C: Because it allows us to offer comprehensive support. With Auddicé, we carry out carbon audits, travel plans, analysis of usage… right through to implementation and training. We are currently the only company in France that can follow a company from A to Z.

The demonstrator: all recharging solutions combined

You’ve installed a demonstrator on your site. What does it involve?
D.K: We’ve transformed our car park (30 spaces) into a showcase for recharging solutions:

• Slow charging points for daily charging
• Normal terminals (7 to 22 kW) for half a day
• Fast charging points (25 kW) for recharging in two hours
  

In all, 14 terminals – more than enough to showcase the full range of technologies. It’s unique in France.

JL.C.: We’ve also worked on education: explanatory panels, QR codes, fun training courses like our “charging stations aperitif”, which raises awareness of good usage practices.

How do your customers react to this demonstrator?
D.K: With surprise and curiosity. Few have seen so many solutions grouped together in one place. It triggers discussions, ideas and often projects. As for our staff, they have taken to the tool perfectly.

Did you also think about cycling?
D.K : Absolutely. Low-carbon mobility starts with walking and cycling. We have created a garage equipped for electric bikes, with recharging points and a repair workshop, as well as an inflation station, open to all employees.

“Electric vehicles will undoubtedly be a bridge to other technologies such as hydrogen or new generations of batteries.“

Showcasing electric mobility for all uses

What user profiles are you targeting?
D.K: Company employees, visitors and customers, but also staff from other agencies. The idea is to show a variety of uses, with several makes of kiosk and several real-life scenarios.

What do you see as the main obstacles to the electrification of fleets?
D.K: The first is range. Employees are worried:“Will I make it through the day?” The answer depends on the right choice of vehicle and battery. Then there are the issues of recharging: on site, when out and about, and at home.

JL.C : On the business side, the challenge is also to correctly size the infrastructure: number of terminals, power, possible integration of photovoltaics or storage, software control… All this needs to be optimised.

How do you see electric mobility evolving in the future?
D.K.: We’re at a turning point. Batteries will become faster to recharge, rather than more autonomous. Induction will develop, as it has for telephones. And electric vehicles will serve as a bridge to other technologies such as hydrogen.

JL.C : Our role will be to help companies make the right choices, because once a solution is adopted, it’s a long-term commitment. We help them compare costs, take advantage of subsidies and build tailor-made solutions.

After a career with PSA and Stellantis, Stéphane Le Guével has taken over as head of Polestar France, a 100% electric Swedish brand that has made performance, design and technological innovation its cornerstones.

ECO MOTORS NEWS had the chance to attend the presentation of the brand’s new spearhead, a saloon named Polestar 5, at the IAA Mobility show in Munich. The editorial team had the opportunity to ask Stéphane Le Guével, Polestar‘s Managing Director, to share with us his vision of the market, the manufacturer’s ambitions, and what drives him personally in this new era of the automobile.

Who are you, Stéphane Le Guével?
Stéphane Le Guével: I’ve been an automotive professional for almost 35 years. I spent most of my career with PSA and then Stellantis, managing brands in various countries. Today, I’m at the head of Polestar France, which we’ve just officially launched after several years of legal wrangling.

What motivated you to join Polestar?
Stéphane Le Guével: I wanted to turn over a new leaf. Polestar is a young brand, but it’s in line with all the major changes in the automotive industry: electrification, digitalisation, online sales and a new customer relationship. It brings together everything that makes up the future of the industry. It’s an exciting field for someone who wants to contribute to these transformations from the inside.

Polestar has just arrived in France. Why now?
Stéphane Le Guével: There was a legal dispute surrounding the logo, which prevented us from launching the brand earlier. As soon as this constraint was lifted, we decided to launch in France. The market is mature, the demand is there, and it’s my country, so I know the issues very well. It was a bit of a no-brainer for me to embark on this adventure.

Polestar stands out for its positioning. How is it different?
Stéphane Le Guével: There are three pillars that set us apart. Firstly, performance: Polestar comes from the racing world, like AMG for Mercedes or M for BMW. It’s in our DNA. Then there’s the design: sleek, Scandinavian, with a real eye for aesthetics. Lastly, technology: we were the first to integrate Google Automotive Services, and we are constantly innovating, as on the Polestar 4, which abandons the rear window in favour of a high-definition camera.

“Polestar is a 100% electric global brand.”

How has the brand been received by the French public?
SLG: Excellent. Unlike other new entrants, Polestar is already well known throughout Europe. The brand was already well known. In France, there was an expectation. All that was needed was for customers to finally be able to order their cars.

Is Polestar an environmentally committed brand?
SLG: Absolutely. Our objective is ambitious: a climate-neutral car by 2030, and a climate-neutral company by 2040. It’s a total commitment, across the entire value chain: recycled materials, production using renewable energy, and annual publication of our progress. Transparency is a core value for us. And we invite our competitors to do the same.

Is 100% online distribution enough?
SLG: When we started out, we relied heavily on online sales. But customers want to see, touch and try things out. Today, we combine direct sales with a physical network of agents. Customers are invoiced by Polestar, but they can discover the cars in our ‘Spaces’, our showrooms, and have their cars serviced in the Volvo network. This is a real strength.

Is France ready for electric cars?
SLG: It’s making progress, but it’s not Norway yet. There’s a lot of confusion among consumers, particularly about range and cost. The real uses are not well known. People need education and clarity. That’s where the specialist media have an important role to play.

“Polestar 4 is certainly the safest vehicle on the market.”

How would you define Polestar’s mission?
SLG: To speed up the transition to environmentally-friendly mobility without sacrificing driving pleasure. Performance is part of our identity. And thanks to Volvo’s heritage, our cars are among the safest on the market. You can enjoy clean driving.

How do you personally feel at the wheel of a Polestar?
SLG: I like the simplicity. It’s a bit like switching to the latest smartphone: sleek, fluid, with no unnecessary buttons. And behind all that simplicity, there’s 520 horsepower. It’s rare to find such a balance between design, comfort, safety and driving pleasure.

Pascal Hureau, President of the Fédération Française des Associations d’Utilisateurs de Véhicules Electriques (FFAUVE) – an association formed in 2019 from the merger of several electric car owners’ associations – is a tireless campaigner for an accessible, pragmatic and user-centred energy transition. At a time when the electric car market is at a turning point, he talks to ECO MOTORS NEWS about his commitment, the current obstacles to the electrification of the car fleet and his vision of an electrified France by 2035.

What is the FFAUVE?
Pascal Hureau: First of all, it’s not a car club! It’s the only association in France that represents electric vehicle users. We defend their interests, a bit like the UFC Que Choisir for electromobility. We have the advantage of being a federation of regional associations, which means we can keep in touch with the realities on the ground.

What made you decide to go electric?
Pascal Hureau: In a word: pleasure. The pleasure of driving, the silence, the comfort. As we often say at FFAUVE, if you try an electric car, you’ll love it! Of course, I also wanted to reduce my environmental impact: I was fed up with burning fossil fuels. Then, finally, with an electric vehicle, you gain real autonomy, you can recharge at home or elsewhere, without having to rely on a service station.

But there’s still a big step to be taken between adopting electric cars and committing oneself as you’re doing…
Pascal Hureau: I’ve developed a passion for the subject. The range of vehicles on offer has grown, but demand has yet to mature, so I’ve been looking for a way to participate in the rise of the electric car: supporting this transition, informing, defending and proposing. And that’s what we’re doing at FFAUVE.

You are also active politically as deputy mayor of Montrouge, in the Paris region.
PH: Yes, I am deputy mayor for digital transition, e-administration and European relations, but for a long time I was responsible for roads and urban development. I initiated the installation of the town’s first charging points, and today Montrouge is one of the best-equipped towns in the inner suburbs of Paris.

On a national scale, what is your assessment of the coverage of charging points?
PH: We’ve almost reached 160,000 charging points accessible in public spaces. There’s been a real boom in shops, supermarket car parks, cinemas and so on. Motorway service areas are 100% covered. In reality, it’s mainly condominiums that are lagging behind: just 10-15% are equipped. That’s another of our missions, to help these co-ownerships install charging points in their car parks.

“It’s vital to combat misinformation”.

In your opinion, what are the current obstacles to more widespread adoption of electric cars by the French?
PH: The price of vehicles is still too high for some people, especially those living in blocks of flats. This goes some way to explaining why there are so few recharging points in large housing estates… But the fear of autonomy is receding. Coverage is good and new technologies mean that recharging can be done very quickly. And we have to get away from the fantasy that we sometimes wait longer at the pump than at a fast-charging point. At least, that’s what we saw over the long Easter weekend. One thing is certain, we have to stop thinking that electric cars will be a niche market: they are the future of the motor industry.

There are also misunderstandings about the charging ecosystem…
PH: Yes, it’s a big issue. There have been too many cards, too many systems. We need to move towards “plug and charge“, as Tesla is doing. Alliances like the SPARK Alliance are working in this direction. Simplicity is the key: bankcard or automatic authentication.

“We must not give up on the end of fossil-fired power in 2035”.

What are the FFAUVE’s plans for 2025?
PH: First of all, we are going to publish a new version of our white paper – which can be downloaded directly from our website – and launch a specific guide for local authorities with a view to the 2026 municipal elections. We will also be stepping up our fight against misinformation, sometimes spread by influential media. We recently won a complaint to the Autorité de régulation de la communication audiovisuelle et numérique (ARCOM). Finally, the FFAUVE will continue to work with dealers to ensure that they are better trained to sell electric cars.

Finally, what do you think France will look like in 2035, in terms of electric cars?
PH: Electric vehicles at the same price as combustion engines. Electric charging points everywhere. A rich second-hand market, thanks in particular to corporate fleets. More versatile and affordable models. And a stable, non-punitive, clear industrial policy that we stick to. The deadline is clear: 2035, the end of new combustion engines. And that’s something we must not give up!

Luc Julia, an artificial intelligence (AI) engineer, has been working in this field for over 40 years, 32 of them spent in Silicon Valley.

As Chief Scientific Officer at Renault, Luc Julia is putting his expertise at the service of the company’s digital transformation, integrating AI at all levels of production and in vehicles. In this interview, he shares his vision of AI in the automotive industry, its impact on electromobility, its safety challenges and its prospects for the future.

“Artificial intelligence is a tool, we’re the ones holding the stick”.

How is AI transforming Renault today, both in production and in vehicles?
Luc Julia : At Renault, my role as Chief Scientific Officer is to put AI into practice throughout the company. Obviously, this applies to cars, with clear objectives: to improve safety, reduce accidents and make vehicles more intuitive and more pleasant to use. But beyond cars, we are integrating AI into factories and other areas of the company. This means that teams, whether they are workers or office staff, can work more efficiently using these new technologies.

Is AI a reliable tool for improving cyber security, particularly in the automotive sector?
Luc Julia: Cyber security is a race. AI plays a key role. On the one hand, it helps us to detect and correct errors, but on the other, it can also be used by malicious actors to bypass our defences. The important thing is to understand these tools and not to panic. AI needs to be used with discernment, just as it can be an asset in detecting threats. It’s a race in which you have to be constantly vigilant.

Vehicle autonomy: how do you see the future of autonomous cars?
Luc Julia: I think that total autonomy for vehicles (level 5) will never happen. I don’t think it’s realistic. However, cars are becoming increasingly autonomous in specific contexts. They can see better than we can, brake more effectively, and are capable of performing many tasks better than humans in particular conditions. Nevertheless, human assistance will still be necessary, even in a future where cars are largely autonomous. Partial autonomy is a positive development, particularly in terms of enhancing safety and improving the driving experience.

How do you see the automotive industry evolving over the next 5 to 10 years?
Luc Julia: Cars will become safer and safer, and we will be able to enjoy a more comfortable and connected environment. One of the major developments will be the possibility of doing something other than driving, thanks to connectivity and AI technologies. Autonomous cars, even if only partially, will open up new possibilities, and innovative services will be offered on board, transforming the way we interact with our vehicles.

“I don’t support the use of fossil fuels.

Can AI be considered a gadget or is it already a real asset in modern vehicles?
Luc Julia: There are technologies that are absolutely not gadgets. Driving aids, which have been around for over 10 years, have proved that they save lives. Entertainment systems also provide valuable services. They are not gadgets, but essential features that make driving more enjoyable and safer.

What do you think of the idea of harmonising technological innovation with digital restraint in connected cars?
Luc Julia: One of the good things for vehicles is that many technologies are handled locally, directly in the car. This makes them more economical in terms of energy consumption, because not everything goes through the cloud. This is an advantage over systems based on remote servers, which consume a lot of energy. There are also opportunities for cars to generate their own energy, for example via solar panels or through braking, making them even more autonomous and sustainable.

And personally, do you use an electric car?
Luc Julia: Yes, I’ve been driving electric cars for over 10 years in the United States. What I particularly like is the acceleration, which is a real pleasure, even if I’m careful. And then there’s the convenience of not having to go to the petrol pump. The fact that you can recharge your car at home really makes life easier, especially here in the United States where the infrastructure is fairly well developed. I wouldn’t go back to internal combustion for these two reasons, and I don’t support the use of fossil fuels.