Copyright Scott Olson, Getty Images
The 2017 Pacifica minvan hybrid, at the North American International Auto Show in January 2016.

Fiat Delivers Alphabet's Waymo 100 Self-Driving Hybrid Minivans

Dec. 19, 2016
The Pacifica minivans are being being outfitted with fully self-driving technology, including purpose-built computers and a suite of sensors, telematics and other systems.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (IW 1000/20) announced the production of 100 Pacifica Hybrid minivans which will join Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo self-driving vehicle fleet.

The minivans are currently being being outfitted with fully self-driving technology, including purpose-built computers and a suite of sensors, telematics and other systems, and will become part of the test fleet of Waymo, formerly the Google car project, in early 2017, the Italian-American manufacturer said Monday in a statement.

Fiat Chrysler, the first major automaker to strike a deal with Alphabet’s Google for autonomous vehicles, has favored cooperating with tech giants to navigate potentially profound changes in the car industry. The company will reveal a fully electric vehicle based on the Chrysler Pacifica at the CES electronics show in Las Vegas next month as it pushes for a role in an industrywide shift toward battery-powered models, people familiar with the matter said last week.

Waymo plans to start a ride-sharing service with Fiat Chrysler’s minivans as part of a reorganization of the tech company’s automotive unit, people familiar with the matter said Dec. 13. Waymo will deploy a semi-autonomous version of the Pacifica for the new service as early as the end of 2017, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the matter is private. Alphabet and Fiat Chrysler declined to comment on their plans.

The U.S. tech company separated its autonomous vehicle project into the new Alphabet holding company Waymo earlier this month. For the service, Google will need more than the 100 Pacificas it agreed to develop with Fiat Chrysler in May, the people said.

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

What Does Agility Look Like for Today's Auto Industry?

Dec. 4, 2023
Without modern technologies, enterprises aren't able to fully analyze the risks and respond to ongoing supply chain issues and semiconductor shortages.

Electric Vehicles Spark New Opportunities in the Automotive Industry

Dec. 4, 2023
Automakers have increased plans to produce Electric Vehicles to meet customer demand for low emissions. With this radical shift, new opportunities and challenges for the auto ...

Navigate Complex Cybersecurity Requirements With Purpose-Built Technology Solutions

Dec. 6, 2023
The CMMC represents a critical mandate from the U.S. DOD. Aerospace & Defense manufacturers that handle controlled unclassified information (CUI) must comply with CMMC requirements...

Shifting Your Business from Products to Service-Based Business Models: Generating Predictable Revenues

Oct. 27, 2023
Executive summary on a recent IndustryWeek-hosted webinar sponsored by SAP

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!