Self-driving vehicle for the masses
Fiat Chrysler has become the first vehicle manufacturer to join forces with Google to develop self-driving cars.
In a recent statement the company announced that the new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid people mover would be used by Google to test its self-driving technology later this year, more than doubling the tech company’s fleet of self-driving vehicles.
Engineering responsibilities will be shared based on ‘‘each company’s respective expertise’’ according to the statement.
FCA will initially design and engineer around 100 vehicles uniquely built for Google’s selfdriving technology, while Google will integrate the suite of sensors and computers that the vehicles will use to navigate roads autonomously.
Both companies will co-locate part of their engineering teams at a facility in south-eastern Michigan to accelerate the design, testing and manufacturing of the selfdriving Chrysler Pacifica.
‘‘FCA has a nimble and experienced engineering team and the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan is well-suited for Google’s self-driving technology,’’ said John Krafcik, chief executive officer, Google Self-Driving Car Project. ‘‘The opportunity to work closely with FCA engineers will accelerate our efforts to develop a fully selfdriving car that will make our roads safer and bring everyday destinations within reach for those who cannot drive.’’
Don’t know about you, but the bright, exciting, hi-tech future of autonomous cars suddenly got a lot less bright and exciting now that it rides around in a people mover ...