Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles has so far taken a very hands-off approach to self-driving cars and autonomous technologies. However, it’s also partnered with what many consider the leader in the segment: Waymo. And that should potentially scare GM.
Waymo has taken delivery of hundreds of Chrysler Pacifica minivans to test self-driving car technologies, but FCA will reportedly put the purpose-built self-driving Chrysler Portal into production in 2020, according to an Automotive News (subscription required) report on Monday.
Chrysler Portal Concept Exterior
The Portal made its debut at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show and designers specifically asked what millennials look for in future cars. Key attributes included flexibility, socially responsible powertrains and plenty of technology. The Portal played on these goals and features a 250-mile range thanks to a 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack and an electric motor driving the front wheels.
The concept itself boasts Level 3 self-driving capabilities, which according to SAE certifications, means the Portal can drive itself in the right conditions for short periods. It’s unclear if Chrysler will produce the Portal with the self-driving technology, or if it will phone in a different solution.
Waymo and FCA have reportedly been in talks to use former’s self-driving technology in showroom-bound models, though fully autonomous cars are years away from realization. Should Chrysler produce the Portal with Level 3 self-driving capability, though, it will join an exclusive club of automakers offering the technology on a car for consumers.
GM has been quiet about plans on self-driving technology for consumers. Rather, it’s focused on commercializing the technology for a ride-sharing service that is scheduled to debut sometime in 2019. GM has been busy testing its AVs with its Cruise Automation subsidiary on the west coast, though so far, it hasn’t followed through on deploying self-driving cars in New York City as it planned earlier this year. For consumers, GM has confirmed Cadillac’s Super Cruise technology will trickle down to other brands eventually.
Comments
FCA keeps impressing me. With Masserati and FIAT 500 they will be putting a solid focus on EV according to the new industrial plan so why not apply this technology to Chrysler? Chrysler needs a purpose and Pacifica had done much to redeem the brand.
FCA should source autonomous technology until wide spread adaption is near at which point development costs will be far lower and profits considerably higher.
GM will have braging rights for being first to to EV and autonomous party but will loose billions in the process. FCA should source from Waymo Ann’s go slow.
Maserati is deeply unpleasant and downmarket. It’s not even top tier stuff.
As for the 500, it’s ancient design, terrible depreciation, and poor crash ratings make it one of the worst cars money can buy. The uncompetitive EV model doesn’t erase its shortcomings.
When you say Maserati, you really mean Cadillac don’t you?
No, when I say Maserati, I mean Maserati.
Maserati is the car you have to settle for when you realize that a Mercedes, Lexus, Audi, Lincoln, BMW, Cadillac, and Infiniti, is too rich for your blood.
But don’t worry, the deprecation costs and world famous Italian unreliability will easily make you think in terms of value for money metrics for the cars instead of in the image that comes with conspicuous consumption. That’s the only way one could rationalize buying a Maserati when there are much, MUCH better cars on the market; cars that are more reliable and more expensive.
You can put Alfa in the same unenviable mess as Maserati.
It’s always interesting to talk about these self-driving cars. I personally still won’t use any of them in today’s state. There have been quite many accidents with these robot cars involved since few years ago. I have just read at https://www.lemberglaw.com/self-driving-autonomous-car-accident-injury-lawyers-attorneys/ a little bit about this. I think car manufacturers should think seriously about perfecting their safety features before bringing these products to public.