NEW YORK (AA) — Google and Fiat Chrysler will partner to build self-driving vehicles, the companies said Tuesday.
Fiat Chrysler will design and engineer approximately 100 vehicles for Google’s self-driving technology, while Google will provide sensors and computers for the vehicles in order for them to navigate roads autonomously, according to a joint statement released on PR Newswire.
It is the first time Google will work directly with a carmaker to integrate its “Self-Driving Car Project” into a passenger vehicle, which Fiat Chrysler will provide 2017 models of Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans.
The minivans are planned to be used later this year for Google’s self-driving testing, according to the statement.
“The opportunity to work closely with FCA [Fiat Chrysler Automobiles] 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,” said John Krafcik, Chief Executive Officer, Google Self-Driving Car Project.
Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Office of FCA, praised the partnership with Google that will “accelerate the pace of innovation in the automotive industry.” He added: “The experience both companies gain will be fundamental to delivering automotive technology solutions that ultimately have far-reaching consumer benefits.”
Self-driving cars have the potential to prevent around 33,000 deaths that occur each year on U.S. roads, 94 percent of which are caused by human error, according to the statement.
