If you've sat into an electric Renault in the past little while, you've probably heard a discreet little jingle played through the car's speakers. Lots of car makers now use this trick of a welcoming sound as you get into the car, but with Renault, it's a bit more special - the jingle is composed by Jean-Michel Jarre.
Wait, who's Jean-Michel Jarre?
Best-known for his ground-breaking 1970s electronic album Oxygène, Jarre is genuine musical royalty and has performed for your actual royalty, including many of the crowned heads of Europe. His music is so futuristic and otherworldly that even NASA has used it for official ceremonies.
Jarre and Renault have been working together since 2022, and now the two have agreed to keep that going, though to 2028. The plan, says Renault, is to "develop even more immersive sound experiences for users of brand vehicles.”
Renault says: “Jarre's expertise and experience in electro-acoustic research and musical creativity is a close fit with the innovation DNA of Renault. In collaboration with the UX/UI design and engineering departments at the Technocentre, as well as with IRCAM [that's Institut de recherche et coordination acoustique/musique, or Institute for Research and Coordination in Acoustics/Music - Ed], audio suppliers and other partners, Jean-Michel Jarre will design and develop audio systems as well as creating new sounds and new musical experiences to consolidate and enrich the Renault sound experience.”
What else does Jarre do for Renault?
As well as the welcome sound, Jarre has developed the safety sound emitted by Renault's EV and plug-in hybrid vehicles when they're moving slowly so that pedestrians can better work out what cars are coming.
Apparently, the welcome sound exists in three versions, including one for Esprit Alpine models and one for the recent Renault 5 and Renault 4 E-Tech electric, referred to as the “Iconic” version. In the case of the VSP - that's Vehicle Sound For Pedestrians - Renault says that “an in-depth analysis was conducted to create a sound that would reflect the identity of the Renault brand, making it recognisable in the urban soundscape, while symbolising a respectful vision of mobility.”
What's coming next?
The extended partnership between the two looks set to explore new ground. Indeed, the agreement speaks of “new areas opened up by AI in order to deliver an exceptional sound experience with an avant-garde audio definition meeting the highest standards of excellence. Passengers will be able to enjoy the unique and subtle harmony of the "Renault x JMJ" immersive sound environment.”
“We are delighted to be renewing this partnership today. The original inspiration came from Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, who wanted Renault vehicles to deliver superior sound quality, creating an exceptional listening environment. The partnership reflects our own spirit of innovation as well as the groundbreaking approach that has always been part of Jean-Michel Jarre's work. Our customers will gain a unique, immersive sound experience integrated right from the vehicle design phase in order to be even more avant-garde,” said Guido Haak, Chief Program Officer, Renault Group.
“After three years of exciting and fruitful collaboration, the adventure continues! I am very happy to be working alongside Renault to develop innovative technologies and extraordinary experiences in the fields of audio and sound design. Together with Luca and his teams, we are committed to producing the best sound for everyone and making sound enjoyment a key asset of the Renault brand,” said Jean-Michel Jarre himself.