Alphabet Inc.'s Google and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV have officially announced that they have agreed to work together to build 100 2017 Pacifica minivans with plug-in hybrid drivetrains that will become a part of Google's growing fleet of self-driving test vehicles.
This team-up, announced Tuesday, marks two major firsts for both Google as well as the self-driving car industry as a whole.
First off, up until now Google's fleet only included the Lexus RX and its own prototypes - both of which are standard vehicles. However, the 2017 Pacifica is a minivan, making this the first time Google has access to a shuttle designed to carry a large amount of people at once. Evidently, Google views this as an important step in bringing self-driving technology to the market.
These Pacificas will have custom modifications made by FCA which will then be passed over to Google to have autonomous hardware and software fitted, working together at a facility in Southeast Michigan, where FCA has its major North American engineering center. This goes beyond what Google did with the Lexus RX, which had been retrofitted without a manufacturing partnership with Lexus or Toyota.
Secondly, this partnership marks the first time Google has worked directly with an automaker "to integrate its self-driving system, including its sensors and software, into a passenger vehicle."
"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," John Krafcik, chief executive of the Google Self-Driving Car Project, said in a statement.
In fact, it's the first time a Silicon Valley firm has teamed up with a traditional carmaker to develop an autonomous vehicle, or vice-versa. Other automakers such as Daimler, BMW and Audi have neglected to turn to outsiders, like Apple or Google, for help due to fears that such a pact would relegate them to being considered low-value hardware suppliers in the long run. Instead, they've opted to pool their resources into building up their own expertise in the area of software, artificial intelligence, machine learning and sensors.
Fiat Chrysler is of a different mind, however, making it clear that venturing out on its own to develop autonomous vehicles and digital businesses on its own is far too risky, especially when faced with a $7.6 billion debt.
It's important to keep in mind that this partnership is by no means exclusive, with both companies allowed to cooperate with others as they see fit. Furthermore, Google, which is seeking partnerships with other automakers, has made it clear that it will not be sharing any proprietary self-driving technology developed for another prototype vehicle with Fiat.
Regardless, Google expressed happiness that it has launched at least one partnership going into the future, saying, "we're excited FCA will be the first we integrate with," and "we will be working with many different partners going forward."
