Google And Fiat To Make Self-Driving Minivans

Google And Fiat To Make Self-Driving Minivans

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Google is breaking new ground in its autonomous car venture by partnering with an actual auto manufacturer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, to produce a fleet of self-driving minivans.

The Mountain View giant is team with FCA to double its fleet of self-driving cars for testing by adding “about 100 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans,” Fortune reports. Over the coming months, the two companies will modify the vehicles to accommodate “Google’s self-driving systems, including sensors and computers.”

The partnership is intended to “help both teams better understand how to create a fully self-driving car that can take people from A to B with the touch of a button,”in the words of Google.

While minivans aren’t exactly sexy, the simple truth is that lots of people, especially families, get around in them each and every day. These are the people that are likely to invest in the newest safety technology, so it only makes sense to be prepared to cater to their needs.

“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,” said on the matter Google’s self-driving project head, John Krafcik.

Currently, Google has some 70 self-driving vehicles in testing. Like the rest of this fleet, the minivans will start out on Google’s closed testing course before moving out into the real world. Google’s fleet is made up of modified Lexus RX450h SUVs and the company’s self-designed prototypes. The minivans will surely add some (not so exciting) diversity to this fleet.