The all-new 2017 Fiat Chrysler Pacifica minivan is unveiled at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan 11, 2016. (Photo : Getty Images/Bloomberg)
After long-standing rumors about Google's possible collaboration with Fiat Chrysler on its self-driving car project, both tech giants have finally combined. In an announcement on May 3, Tuesday, the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica was named Google's next generation self-driving minivan.
Google and Fiat Chrysler are officially partners on self-driving cars. As a part of this deal, Google will fit its self-driving technology into 100 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans, Wired reported. Both tech companies will combine their resources and forge the first-ever production self-driving cars in Michigan.
So far Google's technology has shown better results than any other company investing on the idea. This partnership will not only boost the progress but also ensure that future roads are safer where intelligent computers take control of the wheel.
Previously, Google had been testing the tech by integrating into Toyota Prius and about 70 Lexus RX SUV models. In different experiments, the self-driving vehicles have logged over hundreds of thousands of miles and as the fruits are finally reaping up, the company needed a manufacturer for its future self-driving cars.
Prior to hitting the roads, Google Minivans by Chrysler will undergo further testing in Merced, California before finally letting it loose on the roads of Texas, Kirkland, Washington and Phoenix. All the hundred vehicles will be for experimental purposes only, but they will be more practical and close to the future's marketable models.
Of all the Chrysler vehicles, the engineers chose Pacifica's 2017 model which was revealed back in January. The latest minivan is the perfect self-driving candidate because it is high-tech with great luxury features.
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica boasts power sliding doors, vacuum cleaner, 13 cup holders and a state of the art safety features. It is already a good SUV minivan and Google tech is going to make it even better. However, there is no word on how long before the self-driving minivan will be available to the buyers.
Following in the footsteps of Google, Apple also seems to be gaining interest in the self-driving car technology. The iPhone maker could possibly purchase an 800,000 square feet space to kickstart its self-driving aspirations, Fortune reported.
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