Photo: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Google’s Alphabet division reportedly signed a partnership to develop self-driving vehicles.
The cooperation between Google and FCA would be the first with an automaker for the tech corporation. According to people familiar with the matter, FCA will start building prototypes suited to Google’s requirements next year.
The latest partnership between Google and FCA would allow both entities to work with other companies if desired, and is expected to be officially confirmed in the coming weeks. Bloomberg’s information on the matter revealed that the two partners will sign a definitive agreement this week.
However, the insider refused to be named, as the official announcement has not been made yet. Both Google and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles officials declined to comment on the case, but this is not uncommon for tech giants and automakers.
Curiously, Fiat Chrysler’s John Elkann stated last month that FCA “should work with new industry participants instead of competing with them.” At the time, the statement referred to tech giants like Google and Apple, out of which the former is known for self-driving car development, while the latter is just reported as planning a move in this area.
Sergio Marchionne, FCA’s CEO, also mentioned a possible partnership with Google last December, so it would not be a surprise for the two potential partners to announce a link shortly. The source confirmed Marchionne as one of the prominent participants in the talks between Google and FCA.
Google currently uses Toyota hybrid models for its self-driving car prototypes. The fleet also includes Lexus hybrids, as well as Google’s prototype. According to the supposed partnership, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will supply Google with 2017 Chrysler Pacifica models. The latter will be available in a plug-in hybrid version, and Google is expected to choose this to increase its fleet of autonomous vehicles.
Other details of the deal, such as the number of prototypes supplied by FCA, or any sums involved in the partnership have not been disclosed. Most likely, the two companies will keep these details under wraps for as long as possible, except for the number of vehicles involved.
The latest partnership between Google and FCA would allow both entities to work with other companies if desired, and is expected to be officially confirmed in the coming weeks. Bloomberg’s information on the matter revealed that the two partners will sign a definitive agreement this week.
However, the insider refused to be named, as the official announcement has not been made yet. Both Google and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles officials declined to comment on the case, but this is not uncommon for tech giants and automakers.
Curiously, Fiat Chrysler’s John Elkann stated last month that FCA “should work with new industry participants instead of competing with them.” At the time, the statement referred to tech giants like Google and Apple, out of which the former is known for self-driving car development, while the latter is just reported as planning a move in this area.
Sergio Marchionne, FCA’s CEO, also mentioned a possible partnership with Google last December, so it would not be a surprise for the two potential partners to announce a link shortly. The source confirmed Marchionne as one of the prominent participants in the talks between Google and FCA.
Google currently uses Toyota hybrid models for its self-driving car prototypes. The fleet also includes Lexus hybrids, as well as Google’s prototype. According to the supposed partnership, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will supply Google with 2017 Chrysler Pacifica models. The latter will be available in a plug-in hybrid version, and Google is expected to choose this to increase its fleet of autonomous vehicles.
Other details of the deal, such as the number of prototypes supplied by FCA, or any sums involved in the partnership have not been disclosed. Most likely, the two companies will keep these details under wraps for as long as possible, except for the number of vehicles involved.
Google News