Google recently announced it will work with Fiat Chrysler to develop driverless minivans, but the tech titan has plans to make several more deals with automakers to ultimately put its autonomous vehicle tech in a variety of cars.
PCWorld reports that Google’s parent company, Alphabet, will work directly with automakers to advance the technology for self-driving vehicles.
“We do expect we’ll work with many partners in this area,” Ruth Porat, chief financial officer of Google and parent company Alphabet, told investors on Thursday. “We’re solving a really big need.”
While Porat stopped short of saying which carmakers the company plans to work with, she did update the autonomous driving technology progress so far.
Under the deal with Fiat Chrysler, Google will have 100 model year 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans outfitted with self-driving technology for use in tests. Those vehicles are expected to hit the road later this year.
“We’re pleased to be working with FCA, more than doubling the number of cars we’re having,” Porat said.
Google’s vehicles have so far traveled more than 1.7 miles on the streets of Mountain View, CA, Phoenix, Kirkland, WA, and Austin.
Google’s parent company will work with more auto makers on self-driving cars [PCWorld]
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist