Fiat Chrysler CEO: Self-driving cars could be on road in 5 years

Associated Press

WINDSOR, Ontario

Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne says working with Google convinced him that self-driving technology is closer than he thought and could be on the road in five years.

“I don’t find it that unsettling,” Marchionne said Friday. “I see this as having tremendous use in real life.”

FCA and Google announced a partnership earlier this week. The companies will work together to add self-driving technology to 100 Chrysler Pacifica minivans for testing purposes.

This is the first time Google has worked directly with an auto company to install self-driving sensors and computers. Marchionne discussed the partnership at a ceremony to mark the launch of Pacifica production at FCA’s plant in Windsor. The Pacifica is replacing the Chrysler Town and Country.

Some automakers have been reluctant to team up with tech companies because they want to own the technology in their cars. But Marchionne says it’s too early to say who will lead the transition to a self-driving future, so it’s smart for FCA to work with others and learn what it can.