Google, Fiat Partner To Develop Self-Driving Minivans
MOUNTAIN VIEW -- Google and Fiat Chrysler have inked a deal to develop 100 self-driving minivan prototypes.
The deal was announced Tuesday, and is Google's first formal partnership with an automaker since it started developing autonomous cars in 2014.
The autonomous prototypes will be be based on Fiat Chrysler's new Pacifica minivan that was unveiled in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 2017 model replaces the former Chrysler Town and Country minivan and will be equipped with Google technology. There is a fuel and a hybrid version.
The Mountain View-based Google was in similar talks with General Motors this year, but never reached a formal deal. The addition of 100 self-driving minivans will more than double Google's fleet of autonomous vehicles.