Fiat Chrysler Automobile announced that they’re expanding their partnership with Waymo and its driverless fleet. The expansion will add up to 62,000 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid plug-in minivans to the Waymo driverless fleet starting later this year. Thousands of the minivans are already delivered or on their way to Waymo after a partnership announcement earlier this year.
FCA US and Waymo also announced today that they are beginning discussions about the use of Waymo self-driving technology, including potentially through licensing, in a FCA-manufactured vehicle available to retail customers.
“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.”
Currently, Waymo is the only company with a fleet of fully self-driving cars, with no one in the driver seat, on public roads. Later this year, Waymo will launch the world’s first self-driving transportation service, allowing the public to use Waymo’s app to request a vehicle.
Aaron is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. His background includes technology, mechanics, commercial vehicles, and new vehicle evaluations. Aaron is a member of several automotive media groups and writes for many well-known publications.