Google and Fiat appear to be on the way to solving one of the world’s most intractable problems: how to make a minivan cool. And the two firms have probably found the only possible solution: make it drive itself.
The tech giant and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles intend to make dozens of prototypes, based on Fiat Chrysler’s Pacifica minivan and using Google’s self-driving technology, Bloomberg reported. The vehicles will reportedly be based on the auto company’s Pacifica minivan.
The two firms could sign an agreement as early as Tuesday. The vehicle would be a plug-in hybrid, according to the report. It would be Google’s first such agreement with a major carmaker.
“Google, which has run more than 1.4 million miles of tests on its own driverless prototypes, has been in discussions with various auto manufacturers about working together,” the report said. “A deal with General Motors Co. couldn’t be concluded because of disagreements over ownership of technology and data, a person familiar with the matter said in April.”
Google has, however, entered into a partnership with Ford and Volvo, along with ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft, to lobby governments and regulators amid their push to get driverless cars on U.S. roads.
Photo: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, the reported base for Google self-driving technology in a partnership between the tech and car firms (courtesy Fiat Chrysler)
The post Google teams with Fiat Chrysler on self-driving minivan: report appeared first on SiliconBeat.
