FCA will speed up Google’s self-driving project

Fiat Chrysler becomes the first car company to openly collaborate with Google’s self-driving car project. The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivan forms an integral part of Google’s vision for autonomous mobility.

Google’s autonomous car project has been active for seven years and the company’s self-driven cars have covered 1.5 million miles on public roads, mostly in Texas and Arizona. It is calculated that self-driving cars could prevent 33 000 deaths each year.

FCA’s involvement will speed up advancements by more than doubling Google’s current fleet. The joint venture will operate out of Michigan but each company retains their own expertise and engineering responsibilities.

That means FCA will design and engineer 100 vehicles  to slightly new specifications while Google’s engineers will swarm over the completed car, fastidiously installing myriad sensors and computers.

“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 self-driving car that will make our roads safer and bring everyday destinations within reach for those who cannot drive.”

“Working with Google provides an opportunity for FCA to partner with one of the world’s leading technology companies to accelerate the pace of innovation in the automotive industry,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, FCA. “The experience both companies gain will be fundamental to delivering automotive technology solutions that ultimately have far-reaching consumer benefits.”