Google, Fiat Chrysler Join Forces For Self-Driving Cars

May 06, 2016

Gov. Brown Signs Legislation At Google HQ That Allows Testing Of Autonomous Vehicles (Justin Sullivan / Staff)

Autonomous vehicles have long been an interesting topic for people with brilliant, progressive and futuristic minds. How could someone imagine a car that drives on its own power? An idea that has long been thought of is now put not only in context but also in reality.

According to PC World, Google and Fiat Chrysler join forces to build self-driving minivans. This is the pioneering gesture that Google teams up with an automobile company to develop the latter's vehicles. Gizmodo website posted that this Google's futuristic self-driving car is a Chrysler Minivan. The Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will design the minivan while it is Google's job to install the self-driving systems that include the computers that hold the self-driving software. The minivan is perfectly chosen because part of the futuristic features will be the hands-free sliding doors. It is reported that Google and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will make 100 2017 Pacifica Minivan.

Based from the post of The Verge, Google is not saying whether this is a one-off deal or part of a broader partnership with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. This particular batch of minivans will be used exclusively for testing.

In the process, this minivan is used to easily customize so Google's hardware and software will be easily adjusted. In addition to the aforementioned statement, PC World cited that the project involves engineering teams from both parties, Google and the Automaker, to understand how to create fully self-driving car that can take a group of people from one place to another with the use of a button.

Moreover, this project gives both parties the opportunity to test a larger vehicle that could be easier or the passengers to enter and exit the vehicle easily sources say. It is also mentioned that this project will help them realize to further the potential of self-driving vehicles. Google's self-driving cars are currently being tested in four U.S. cities: Washington, Arizona, California and Texas.

Source: iTech Post