Waymo Adds 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivans to Self-Driving Program

Waymo Adds 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivans to Self-Driving Program

Fiat Chrysler announced that Waymo will add 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to its self-driving program.

Fiat Chrysler announced that Waymo will add 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to its self-driving program.

The automaker previously delivered 100 minivans, modified for self-driving, to Waymo during the second half of 2016.

Production of the additional 500 minivans will ramp up beginning in May, according to Fiat Chrysler. Waymo then will outfit the vehicles with its self-driving technology.

“The collaboration between FCA and Waymo has been advantageous for both companies as we continue to work together to fully understand the steps needed to bring self-driving vehicles to market,” said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Chrysler. “The addition of 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans is a further acknowledgement of the hard work put forth by both engineering teams.”

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans are equipped with Waymo’s hardware suite and self-driving software, which has been honed with nearly 3 million miles of on-road testing and billions of miles in simulation. The minivan’s electrical, powertrain, chassis and structural systems were modified to accommodate Waymo’s self-driving technology.

Waymo and Fiat Chrysler co-located a select group of engineers at a facility in southeastern Michigan to accelerate the overall development process. In addition, they conducted extensive testing at Fiat Chrysler’s Chelsea Proving Grounds in Chelsea, Mich., and Arizona Proving Grounds in Yucca, Ariz, as well as Waymo test sites in California.

Waymo Invites Public to Try Self-Driving Minivans

Waymo, formerly the Google self-driving car project, also announced that it is inviting members of the public to use its fleet of self-driving vehicles for everyday travel. Waymo’s early rider program will give selected Phoenix residents the opportunity to experience the self-driving Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans for the first time.

 

You May Also Like

GCIA December Meeting to Feature Mike Anderson

Anderson will give a talk titled “Be Extraordinary” at the Georgia Collision Industry Association meeting on Dec. 13.

The Georgia Collision Industry Association (GCIA) will be holding a meeting on Dec. 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Governors Gun Club in Kennesaw, Ga.

The meeting will feature popular collision industry speaker Mike Anderson of Collision Advice, who will give a talk titled "Be Extraordinary".

Central PA I-CAR Holding Bingo Fundraiser

The fundraiser, which will be held Jan. 20, 2024 from 1-5 p.m., will benefit Central Pennsylvania area collision programs.

NABC Forms Changing and Saving Lives Foundation

The Changing and Saving Lives Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, was founded to provide support and assistance to families in need, military members, veterans and first responders.

Precision Diagnostics Approved for Ford’s Collision & Glass Program

Madison, Wis.-based Precision Diagnostics recently earned approval as an authorized service partner on Ford’s Collision & Glass Certification program for ADAS calibrations.

TechForce Foundation Names New Chief Growth Officer

As chief growth officer, Jennifer Bergeron brings over 20 years of experience in technical education and organizational management to TechForce.

Other Posts

CREF Selected for LKQ Holiday Vote Fundraiser

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) was selected as one of the 10 participation charities in the LKQ Cares Holiday Vote fundraiser for this year.

Ford Approves AirPro Diagnostics for Collision, Glass Programs

AirPro Diagnostics announced that Ford has approved AirPro as a diagnostics and calibrations provider to ensure a complete and safe repair.

ASA Applauds Regulatory Proposal that Excludes Collision Repairers

The proposal would have increased required reporting under a revised Air Emissions Reporting Requirements (AERR) regulation.

Maaco Announces Winner of Tony Martino Legendary Hall of Fame Award

Tim Wright of Maacoi Farmington received the award, which recognizes an owner that personifies Maaco’s founding values of providing quality service at a fair price.