Google and Ford might be prepared to announce a partnership to develop self-driving cars, which industry experts project will likely experience significant growth during the next decades. The terms of such a deal might be announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next month, in which Ford would construct Google's autonomous vehicles. The American automaker and search giant have not commented on the alleged teaming up.
This deal would reportedly be non-exclusive, according to Yahoo. In fact, Google has been in talks with other car makers in hopes they will use its autonomous systems.
Google's joining forces with Ford could save it billions of dollars in development costs. That could give it an edge in an industry that Boston Consulting Group estimates could reach $42 billion in a decade, according to CBS News.
Other tech companies such as Apple and Uber are also investing in driverless vehicles. Many automakers have also boosted their investments in robotic cars.
Google's co-founder Sergey Brin stated earlier this year that his company was looking for partners for its autonomous vehicle business. That is one reason why it created the parent company Alphabet.
Google and Ford already have some business ties. For example, the chief of Google's self-driving car business is former Ford engineer John Krafcik.
If the two companies partnered they would have to work out various technical and legal issues. That includes when the car should signal a human to take over in certain unexpected weather or traffic conditions.
California recently passed rules for driverless cars that require them to have a steering wheel, gas and brake pedals, and a human operator. Google shared it believes this move will slow down the tech's development.