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| Google is no individual nonindustrial its own self-driving car: examination |
Google has refocused its autonomous driving efforts away
from developing its own car without a steering wheel and pedals,
according to a report from The Information.
Instead, the company is said to be partnering with automakers on more
conventional cars with a view to possibly launching an autonomous
ride-sharing service by the end of next year.
Fiat Chrysler is producing a new prototype vehicle for
Google based on the Pacifica minivan; if the testing is successful,
they'll reportedly be used in the eventual commercial service. The two
companies announced a partnership to develop self-driving minivans in May.
Alphabet CEO Larry Page and CFO Ruth Port are said to be
behind the decision to pivot, believing the existing plan of
self-producing a radically new car without a steering wheel to be
impractical. It's reportedly a controversial move inside Google X's
autonomous driving division, known as Chauffeur, with Google co-founder Serge Bron also in favor of the idea of developing a car from end to
end.
Google is expected to announce news related to self-driving cars later on Tuesday — we'll keep you updated.