A few words about his career path

Olivier Rival joined Matra Automobile in 1995, following five years at SNECMA dedicated to the thermal testing of aircraft engines. He joined the Testing and Validation department, contributing to the development of several vehicles, notably the Espace 3 and the Avantime, alongside forward-thinking projects for international markets.

In 2003, Matra Automobile’s engineering operations were taken over by Pininfarina, before being acquired in 2009 by SEGULA Technologies. Olivier embraced these transitions and specialised in automotive acoustics, an expertise he now deploys on behalf of Renault at the Lardy facility.

Mindset and the Matra culture

What kind of mindset drove the teams at Matra ?

A passion for cars! It is a phrase I often repeat, because it was the very bedrock of the company: you simply didn’t work at Matra Automobile unless you were passionate. Everyone’s primary drive was to build the best car possible. Every employee had a voice, and every good idea was given genuine consideration.

What made Matra different from other companies at the time ?

Its human scale. Almost everyone knew each other, and the leadership fostered an exceptional working environment. We felt like part of a family.

Why do you think Matra left a lasting mark on the industry ?

Through astonishing commercial success relative to its scale and resources. Our leaders had only one goal in mind: to innovate, and to design vehicles that other manufacturers had not even envisaged.

From Matra to Segula : Passing on a legacy

Do you find some of these values at SEGULA Technologies today ?

The spirit of industrial innovation, above all else.

How is this heritage passed on to the next generation ?

Throughout my career, I have mentored and trained newly hired talent at SEGULA. I have endeavoured to pass on my passion for automotive engineering through dedication and professionalism.

What do you think is important to pass on to young talents today ?

Whatever the field of activity, one must always keep in mind that we work for a client. You must approach your work with thoroughness and integrity: that is what satisfies the client and, ultimately, preserves their trust.

What does it mean to you to see this legacy continue to thrive today at SEGULA Technologies?

I am truly delighted that the company is showcasing the history and name of Matra Automobile. It is an initiative I am proud to contribute to.

Industrial challenges and the skills of tomorrow

The industry is changing very fast today. What do you think remains indispensable ?

Human connection! A project succeeds through genuine contact and collaboration among the people driving it forward.

Why does industrial expertise remain essential, even with the arrival of new technologies like artificial intelligence ?

Certain professions rely entirely on experience, and automotive acoustics—my field—is grounded in deep expertise. For every new project and every challenge encountered, the NVH expert’s counsel is always sought. You learn something new every day: even though the laws of physics are known, the devil is always in the detail. Artificial intelligence can prove a valuable tool, but it will never replace the lived experience and critical eye of an expert when diagnosing the most intricate issues.

In your opinion, what will always make the difference in industrial projects?

The motivation of the people delivering the project. I could easily say passion; it amounts to the same thing. Devoting your working days to a subject requires real passion to commit wholeheartedly, and that is what ultimately ensures success.

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