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Google's deal with FCA is the 'first phase' of partnership

Google and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles confirmed a partnership Tuesday in which the two companies will collaborate on creating autonomous minivans. The two companies will work together to build and test approximately 100 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans, and they first of the bunch could hit the road by the end of the year. This marks the first time Google has worked with a traditional automaker in designing a self-driving car since the start of its autonomous project in 2009. "FCA will design the minivans so it's easy for us to install our self-driving systems, including the computers that hold our self-driving software and the sensors that enable our software to see what's on the road around the vehicle," Google said in a written statement. "The minivan design also gives us an opportunity to test a larger vehicle that could be easier for passengers to enter and exit, particularly with features like hands-free sliding doors." "Those of us in the tech industry recognize how hard it is to build cars." – Jennifer Haroon. That could be particularly important if Google and FCA intend to launch the autonomous minivans as a competitor to traditional public transportation options. Chris Urmson, the director of Google's self-driving car project, indicated that may be a potential business model during a public meeting on autonomous operations last week. "Public transit executives could be buying autonomous minivans rather than expensive buses," he said. "Federal standards determine what kinds of vehicles cities can use for transit. This needs attention." In the Pacifica, Google's engineers get an all-new minivan. Chrysler showcased the vehicle for the first time in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and sales of the non-hybrid versions of the vans went on sale last month. FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne says further collaboration between his company and Google is possible. "This first phase of the operation is very targeted. It's designed to take Google technology into the minivan. It's very, very focused," he said, according to Automotive News. The collaboration won't be Google's first experience with hybrids. The Lexus RX 450h SUV is one of the two cars in its current test fleet, which consists of approximately 70 vehicles. With roughly 100 autonomous minivans slated to be part of the collaboration, Google's test fleet will more than double.

Fiat Chrysler CEO says final merger talks with Peugeot going well

BRUSSELS — Fiat Chrysler's chief executive Michael Manley said on Wednesday that merger talks with Peugeot owner PSA  to create the world's No. 4 carmaker are progressing well and he hopes to have a deal within 12-14 months. Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of an industry meeting, he said he doesn't expect any major obstacles that could delay a final agreement. "Talks are progressing really well," Manley said about negotiations with the French carmaker ahead of a briefing by the European automotive association (ACEA), of which he is president. His comments come a month after the two carmakers agreed to a binding deal worth about $50 billion to combine forces in response to a slowdown in global demand and mounting costs of making cleaner vehicles amid tighter emissions regulations. Manley's timeline for completing the deal by early 2021 is in line with a forecast made by the companies in December. Fiat and Peugeot are now getting into the details of how the merger will work, including choosing which vehicle platforms — the technological underpinnings of a vehicle — will fit which products in a combined company. Because customers in different locations still prefer vastly different cars, there is room for multiple platforms in a combined group, Manley said. "That global platform is an elusive beast," he added. "This concept of a massive global platform in my mind is almost a myth, but that doesnÂ’t mean to say weÂ’re not going to recruit significant volume." Related Video:    

Car Club USA: Chrysler Power Classic

Car Club USA heads to the Buckeye State for some high-octane drag racing at the Chrysler Power Classic. And for these amateur drag racers, nothing but Mopar muscle will do. "I would say Mopar is kind of a way of life," says Larry Augenstine. "Some people get addicted to lemonade, or beer, [or] drugs. Well, I'm Mopars." Larry drives a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda with a 426 Hemi motor that once belonged to local racing legend Ray Christian. He's joined at the track by Mark Ipsen of the Midwest Nostalgia Pro Stock Association. Mark runs a 1979 AMC Concord with a modified 401 block V8 that he claims has dynoed at just under 1,000 horsepower. The biggest threat to any day on track is Mother Nature, who cast a threatening shadow over National Trail Raceway for much of the event. When the clouds and rain subsided, our cameras captured the grounds crew in action with blowers, torches, and a sticky compound that's sprayed the entire length of the track. Can Larry, Mark, and the rest of these Mopar fanatics make the most of the few runs they'll get? Stay tuned to find out. Each Car Club USA episode features a different car club or event from across the US, where passionate owner communities gather to share automotive experiences and embark on incredible adventures. From Main Street cruises to off-road trails, catch all the latest car club activity on Autoblog. Chrysler Racing Vehicles Performance Car Club USA Videos Original Video autoblog black