Fiat-Chrysler scored a win with a newfound partnership with Google for a fleet of self-driving vehicles. The automaker and technology giant will begin work on autonomous driving technology for 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivans later this, year marking a first for Google to partner directly with an automaker, per Fiat-Chrysler Authority.
However, General Motors stands at the other corner, loaded with ride-sharing service, Lyft, which will also begin developing autonomous vehicle technologies, and aims to produce a nationwide fleet of Chevrolet Volts. We’d say a cold war is brewing on the autonomous vehicle front. But, who is better positioned?
It’s safe to say Fiat-Chrysler is a little scrambled right now. Product plans are vague, and we have yet to see any major investment and new vehicles born. But, Google is, as Mr. Trump would say, “yuuuge.” For what FCA lacks in resources, Google can make up for it.
General Motors has the scale and capacity, along with loads of engineering resources to help utilize Lyft’s ride-sharing infrastructure in the future, and it already has an upper hand with the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV ready to deploy later this year.
For now, it’s anyone’s game. May the best automaker win. We’ll politely stand aside and continue gripping our steering wheels, and rowing our own gears, though.
Comments
This was the one and only good decision FCA has done since they mergered.
Good decision for FCA, Google needs to have their head checked for teaming up with that sinking ship.
Well It was a no brainer for FCA as they needed money and they only had one offer.
The real question is will they give more control to Google or will Sergio guide both to the rocky shore.
I find it interesting that Google did not get a stronger partner. I would have imagined one of the stronger companies would have joined in with them. All of them could use a strong partner with money right now even Toyota. I find this puzzling unless their investment is not all that great and their plans not as a good as we think.
Lets face it Nexus and Google teamed on a pad and while not a bad pad it is far from leading in the segment.
I like that GM stayed with their idea of going alone!