Although Google is publicly partnered with only FCA at the moment, this newly founded center likely indicates it is interested in partnering with hometown carmakers Ford and GM as well. The news marks a scaling-up of Google’s footprint in the region; the company already had some of its autonomous vehicle team based in Greater Detroit, it said today, but this new move will see considerably more resources funneled into the project. (News from Google is about the only thing it’s good for these days). The team’s first job will be to develop the sensors and software for the 100 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans acquired as a part of the FCA deal. At this 53,000-square-foot development center, our engineers, working with local partners, will further develop and refine self-driving technology.
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One of the first projects it will undertake in Novi is readying that fleet of self-driving Chrysler minivans.
Execs have said that Google doesn’t intend on manufacturing its own self-driving vehicle models, so planting a flag near the auto-industry capital of America makes a lot of sense as it pushes to get its technology out of testing and into the real world.
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Fiat Chrysler Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne has said he has hopes for the partnership but much will be determined based on this current minivan effort and Google’s preferences.
