Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is sending 500 of its Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Auburn Hills and then Arizona, for the next phase of the company's self-driving program.
Michigan automation company Waymo will be outfitting the vehicles that come off the assembly line with the necessary technology. Selected Phoenix residents will then get the chance to experience the self-driving minivans for the first time.
"This collaboration is helping both companies learn how to bring self-driving cars to market, and realize the safety and mobility benefits of this technology," says Waymo CEO John Krafcik.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne adds, "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."
Production of the additional 500 minivans is expected to ramp up in May.
Waymo says it has done nearly 3-million miles of on-road testing with its automation technology in vehicles, and billions of miles in simulation.
According to FCA, 1.2-million deaths happen each year on roads worldwide and 94% of those are caused by human error.
