Fiat Chrysler and Google will work together to more than double the size of Google's self-driving vehicle fleet by adding 100 Chrysler Pacifica minivans.
The companies announced the agreement on Tuesday, saying that Chrysler engineers would work with Google to install sensors and software so the vans can drive themselves.
The added vehicles are needed as Google expands real-world testing. Google says it will own the gas-electric hybrid vans, and it's not currently licensing autonomous car technology to Fiat Chrysler or anyone else. Both companies are free to work with others as well.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The added vehicles are needed as Google increases real-world testing in four cities including Mountain View, California; Austin, Texas; Kirkland, Washington; and the Phoenix area in Arizona. Initially the vans will be tested by Google on its private test track in California, but eventually they'll make their way to public roads.
It's the first time Google has worked directly with an auto company on installing self-driving sensors and computers.
The 100 newly redesigned minivans would be "uniquely built" for Google's self-driving technology, FCA said in a statement. Both companies will have engineers at a site near Detroit to work on the vans.
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