Renault to maintain physical buttons despite higher costs

Renault has announced its commitment to maintaining physical buttons and switches in its vehicle interiors, despite the higher manufacturing costs compared to touchscreen-only interfaces. The automaker, along with its budget brand Dacia, is bucking an industry trend where many manufacturers have moved controls to digital menus under the guise of minimalism.

Glen Sealey, General Manager of Renault Australia, described traditional switchgear as a “founding principle” of the company. He argued that tactile controls are safer because they allow drivers to access frequently used functions, such as volume or radio stations, without having to navigate complex touchscreen submenus while driving.

This approach aligns with upcoming safety standards. Euro NCAP has updated its 2026 protocols to call for “the availability of physical buttons for commonly used functions,” noting that consumer feedback suggests such controls can reduce driver distraction.