Speaker-maker Akoustic Arts SAS received funding from French carmaker Renault SA and venture capital firm Newfund Inc. to pursue wide-scale product development that will see its ultra-directional sound technology integrated into Renault vehicles.

The size of the investment was not disclosed.

As part of the agreement, Renault's engineers will share their automotive expertise, their suppliers and industrial tools with Akoustic Arts. The collaboration is expected to result in the development of on-board directional speakers for Renault vehicles. Products aimed at the post-sales network will also be considered, according to an Oct. 5 news release.

Akoustic Arts' patented sound technology projects through the air and creates a "private bubble of sound" that only the target user can hear. It is capable of providing distinct immersive experiences for different people simultaneously, the release said.

Renault is an international auto manufacturer with a presence in 134 countries. It has 36 manufacturing sites and 12,700 points of sale worldwide.