Would You Buy a Self-Driving Van?

Would you buy a driverless van or minivan for work or family-life use? Well, white van men may become a thing of the past if Google and Fiat Chrysler have anything to say about it. This week it was announced that the search engine giant and popular vehicle manufacturer are to build the very first ‘large’ self-driving vehicle.

Tech and Mechanics: A Match Made in Heaven?

This new partnership is history in the making as it’s the first time Google has worked directly with a car maker to integrate its self-driving system, sensors and software included, into a passenger vehicle.

The first ‘test’ of this new scheme will see Google’s autonomous technology built into the Pacifica minivan which is available in the USA. From here, if successful, this technology may be added to other large vehicles or vans and rolled out across Europe and the rest of the world.

Google’s an Authority on Autonomous Vehicles

Google has been pioneering driver-less projects like this for years now and its vehicles can frequently be seen driving along roads in the US. The search company has previously reengineered Lexus sport utility vehicles, but is now saying they’d much prefer to work closely with vehicle manufacturing experts to ensure systems are refined to the very best they can be.

John Krafcik, Chief Executive of the Google Self-Driving Car Project has said:

“FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) has a nimble and experienced engineering team and the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan is well-suited for Google’s self-driving technology,”

Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer at FCA, also adds,

“working with Google provides an opportunity for FCA to partner with one of the world’s leading technology companies to accelerate the pace of innovation in the automotive industry,

“The experience both companies gain will be fundamental to delivering automotive technology solutions that ultimately have far-reaching consumer benefits.”

Well, when these vans eventually do come to the UK, whether your purchase one or decide to remain in the driving seat, you’ll need to insure your vehicle. And there’s no better way to compare low cost van insurance than with us.

Compare here.