Google and Fiat Chrysler in ‘late stages’ of technical partnership talks

By Andrew Hard Published April 28, 2016

Google car — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne may be a self-described “Apple freak,” but the executive’s next foray into self-driving technology could actually come from Google.

A new report by The Wall Street Journal (citing AutoExtremist) claims that Fiat Chrysler (FCA) and Google have reached the late stages of technical partnership negotiations, talks that apparently started shortly after CES 2016 wrapped up in January. Google has been searching for an automotive other half for some time now, and although an advisory alliance between the tech firm, Ford, Volvo, Uber, and Lyft was announced this week, Google still needs someone to actually build its driverless fleet. Could the first wave of commercially available autonomous cars have Italian roots?

Recommended Videos

It may seem like an odd choice at first, because when you think of high-tech transportation, FCA is probably not the first automaker that comes to mind. The company has an extensive network of manufacturing facilities and dealers throughout the globe, though, which is exactly what Google needs as a tech supplier. According to sources close to the matter, the first product of the Google-FCA partnership could be an autonomous version of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Read more: Rubber ducky, you’re the one … to test self-driving technology at MIT

What would FCA get out of the deal? The brand’s recent struggles have been well-documented, with the company suffering recalls, hacked infotainment systems, and a failed merger with General Motors in the last year alone. A technical alliance with Google could cut down FCA’s development costs significantly, giving the world’s seventh-largest car company a much-needed shot of adrenaline.

Neither Google nor FCA has officially commented on the matter at the time of this writing, but the story will continue to develop over the coming months. To stay up to date on self-driving vehicle news, keep your browsers locked to DT Cars.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Cars

Costco, Electrify America add EV-charging stations in three states

costco electrify america add 50 ev charging stations in three states ea chargers 1280

Costco, which had abandoned offering EV charging 12 years ago, is getting serious about resuming the service.

Over a month ago, the big-box retailer once again put its brand name on a DC fast-charging station in Ridgefield, Washington, that was made by Electric Era .

Cars

Mini’s infotainment system is very charming, but still needs work

Main screen of the Mini infotainment system

When you think Mini, you probably don’t think of infotainment. Personally, I think of the British flag taillights, the distinct exterior, and the surprising room on the inside. But after driving the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman over the past week, infotainment might well be something I think of more often when it comes to Mini. It’s charming.

It also, however, suffers from all the traps that other legacy automakers fall into when it comes to software design. Mini has something on its hands here — but it still needs some work.
Bringing the charm
The first thing that stood out to me about the system when I got in the car was how fun it was. That all starts with the display. It’s round! No, it’s not curved — the screen is a big, round display sits in at 9.4 inches, and I found it plenty large enough for day-to-day use.

Cars

Plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular. Why? And will it continue?

Kia Niro EV Charging Port

There's a lot of talk about the idea that the growth in electric car sales has kind of slowed a little. It's not all that surprising -- EVs are still expensive, early adopters all have one by now, and they're still new enough to where there aren't too many ultra-affordable used EVs available. But plenty of people still want a greener vehicle, and that has given rise to an explosion in hybrid vehicle sales.

That's especially true of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be charged like an EV and driven in all-electric mode for short distances, and have a gas engine as a backup for longer distances or to be used in combination with electric mode for more efficient driving.

nproxy.org