Fiat Chrysler, Google partnering on self-driving prototypes based on Pacifica minivan

Google and Fiat Chrysler are on the verge of signing their rumored partnership on self-driving technology, which should begin with several dozen Pacifica minivans being equipped as prototypes, a report said on Tuesday.

A deal could be signed as soon as today, sources informed Bloomberg. The vans should be deployed starting later this year as part of the first phase of the companies' broader project.

Notably, both companies will allegedly be free to cooperate with other firms on self-driving systems. For Fiat Chrysler, though, the deal may be an essential step in kickstarting its self-driving efforts.

In April, Fiat Chrysler chairman John Elkann suggested that his company should cooperate with businesses like Apple and Google, rather than try to compete. Google has reportedly been in talks with several automakers, though a deal with GM is said to have collapsed due to disputes over data and technology ownership.

It's unclear whether Google will ever sell a branded car, instead of just sharing its self-driving platform with others. Even if it did design its own vehicle, it would have to partner with other companies on manufacturing.

Apple is believed to be developing self-driving technology, but most likely for use in its own electric car. That product could roll out as soon as 2019 or 2020, but might initially lack self-driving options, and would still have to be manufactured by a third party short of massive investments in infrastructure and letting the secret out early.

33 Comments

macxpress 5910 comments · 16 Years

About 8 years ago

I can't see this as this being marketed as a "Google Car", but rather a self-driving Minivan with Google Technology in it.

I'm still not fully convinced Apple is making its own car, but rather just making software for a car and they're looking for a partner to put their software into. Its VERY expensive to create and manufacture your own car. They'd be better off just partnering with someone to use their technology.

cpsro 3233 comments · 14 Years

Chryslers will be great for prototyping. If one crashes, no one will care.

gatorguy 24602 comments · 13 Years

macxpress said:

I can't see this as this being marketed as a "Google Car", but rather a self-driving Minivan with Google Technology in it.

I'm still not fully convinced Apple is making its own car, but rather just making software for a car and they're looking for a partner to put their software into. Its VERY expensive to create and manufacture your own car. They'd be better off just partnering with someone to use their technology.

I doubt the Pacifica is anything intended for consumers to buy. My guess is a van is more appropriate for the extensive testing/monitoring equipment that would be part of prototyping. If /when anything comes to market I'd expect it to be something relatively compact, maybe even intended for an on-call Uber-like service rather than Joe and Minnie's personal use.

EDIT: And my guess could be completely wrong too. I'm now reading other sources that say Google's autonomous system may be on the road in a Pacifica near you within a year. Count me surprised if it happens.

dick applebaum 12525 comments · 17 Years

mcfrazieriv 71 comments · 10 Years

Reminds me of a cell phone named RokR with Apple software on it. Gave Apple a chance to test out the idea of iTunes and popularity, while also delaying Motorola from developing it's own MP3 player... and then WHAM, Apple came out with a device of it's own and smashed it all. All this is doing is giving Google a chance to test out their product without having to manufacture the entire car, while it develops and tests the next big thing.