DETROIT (US) – Waymo LLC, which manufactures self-driving cars, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV have decided to expand their autonomous vehicle deal to commercial vehicles. Fiat will manufacture fully self-driving vehicles with Waymo, the firms announced on Wednesday.
A unit of Alphabet Inc, Waymo and Fiat Chrysler announced they would join hands to develop autonomous light commercial vehicles for transporting goods by integrating Waymo’s self-driving technology into Ram ProMaster vans sold by Fiat Chrysler.
Both firms said that Waymo Via autonomous goods delivery unit will use vehicles jointly developed with Fiat Chrysler.
Companies manufacturing self-driving vehicles are moving their investment and technology to delivery and commercial uses of autonomous vehicles. They believe that shifting goods will bring in profits quickly rather than overcoming the technical, social and regulatory obstacles to moving people using self-driving vehicles.
Waymo and Fiat Chrysler said they will collaborate on “level 4” autonomous driving. It refers to a Society of Automotive Engineers classification that defines such vehicles as capable of self-driving.
Since 2016, Waymo has been jointly working with Fiat Chrysler to integrate its self-driving vehicle mechanism, the Waymo Driver, into the Chrysler Pacifica minivan.
The expanded partnership with Fiat Chrysler will include “ride-hailing, commercial delivery, and personal-use vehicles around the world,” Waymo Chief Executive Officer John Krafcik said.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field