FCA US LLC and Waymo are expanding their partnership further, this time with an agreement to add up to 62,000 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Waymo?s self-driving fleet. Vehicle deliveries are expected late this year, and both companies are discussing the use of Waymo’s self-driving technology, including potentially licensing it, in a FCA-manufactured vehicle available to retail customers.
Innovation & Accessibility
Earlier this year, FCA US LLC delivered 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Waymo to boost the tech company?s autonomous driving program. To date, FCA has delivered 600 Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Waymo.
?FCA is committed to bringing self-driving technology to our customers in a manner that is safe, efficient, and realistic,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. ?Strategic partnerships, such as the one we have with Waymo, will help to drive innovative technology to the forefront.? ?Waymo’s goal from day one has been to build the world?s most experienced driver and give people access to self-driving technology that will make our roads safer,? added Waymo CEO John Krafcik.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Future Goals
One of the goals for FCA and Waymo was to develop an autonomous vehicle for mass production. The partnership paired FCA and Waymo engineers together who devised ways to implement Waymo?s automated technology into the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Leaders from both companies say lever...