Google scales back car project, to focus on software

google self driving 1

Following Apple’s scaling back of its car project just under two months ago, Google is also winding down its efforts in producing a full-scale automobile, according to a report in The Information. The information technology giant will instead focus on collaborative efforts with existing car manufacturers, concerting its efforts on the development of self-driving software, newly dubbed “Waymo”.

“We’re a self-driving car company with a mission to make it safe and easy for people and things to get around,” Waymo CEO John Krafcik said in a statement. The software under development will implement functions such as gesture signal technology and emergency vehicle detection, among others.

Google scales back car project, to focus on software

The tech giant has already started work with Chrysler on a co-developed, self-driving Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid MPV, with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles taking charge of design and engineering for the 100 vehicles earmarked for this exercise, while Google works on the integration of sensors and computers into the vehicle.

Spotted testing earlier in October, the Chrysler Pacifica-Google project could also spawn a fully electric version in the future. As of June, Google has a fleet of more than 58 cars on the road, with the self-driving fleet having racked up 2.7 million km since its introduction in 2009.

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

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