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Google’s next self-driving car is a minivan

May 3rd, 2016  |  Canadian Business

After many rumours, Google has finally inked a deal with a major automaker to build its autonomous tech into production-model vehicles, and that lucky manufacturer is none other than Chrysler.

According to USA Today, Chrysler and Google will work together to build at least 100 autonomous of its new Pacifica minivan. The vans will bolster Google’s fleet of autonomous vehicles, providing it with a larger class of vehicle than anything it is currently testing.

Chrysler on the other hand will be able to jump into the autonomous driving technology race despite arriving relatively late to the party.

With the Google fleet consisting mostly of its own custom-built two-seaters as well as some self-modified Lexus crossovers, this deal with Chrysler is a big move for them, who until now haven’t worked with car manufacturers. However, Google’s team has always been open about their intention to focus solely on developing the technology, not competing in the auto industry.

For now, the deal is only for Google’s testing fleet. There are currently no plans for Chrysler to implement autonomous technology in any of its retail vehicles.