Google’s Waymo Plans Expansion of Autonomous Minivans

US multinational Google in collaboration with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles adds autonomous minivans to their existing fleet

United States: Google and Fiat Chrysler are planning to double their self- driving autonomous technology partnership by adding more than 100 hybrid minivans to their current autonomous fleet in the country.

The companies announced production of about 100 minivans last month. As per Waymo, these vehicles will be equipped with Google’s advanced self- driving autonomous technology. Waymo is the new company formed by the Google car project and as per initial plan they are planning to double the number of self-driving vehicles by end of this year.

In December, Waymo was in contact with Honda Motors Co. for introduction of this concept, but Fiat Chrysler was the first automaker to cut a deal with Google. Waymo ride-sharing service would be competing with existing firms like Uber Technology Inc in the autonomous self- driving vehicle concept.

As per TechSci Research, the progress made by Fiat in the field of autonomous self- driving vehicles has brought the company a step forward towards the development of this technology, which is expected to result in the advancement of autonomous car industry in coming years. Moreover, with the foray of Google in self driving car concept with advanced technology, their competitors will also look forward to invest in the same technology which would create a boom in the autonomous car industry. The continuously growing investment in the autonomous car technology market is anticipated to enhance the growth of the overall industry, worldwide.

According to a recent report published by TechSci Research, “Global Autonomous Car Technology Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2035 – ADAS, Semi-Autonomous, Fully-Autonomous”, globally, the automobile sector has been constantly evolving in terms of engine performance and design. Apart from these parameters, evolution of autonomous features in passenger cars is garnering attention of consumers across the world. Global autonomous car technology market is primarily divided into three segments - Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) car technologies, semi-autonomous car technology and fully-autonomous car technology. ADAS technologies are currently moving at a brisk pace on account of rising inclination towards greater automation. Moreover, fully-autonomous cars are expected to be commercially available by 2025, which is expected to translate into dramatic growth in the market.