Waymo’s deal with AutoNation is the latest indication the tech-mobility company is on the cusp of expanding beyond test rides.
With self-driving vehicles moving closer to hitting the street beyond isolated test markets, AutoNation is positioning itself to service autonomous-drive vehicles.
The country’s largest auto dealer has signed a multiyear deal to service the growing fleet of self-driving Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans. “We are excited to partner with Waymo, who is a leader of self-driving technology,” said Mike Jackson, chairman, CEO and president of AutoNation. “AutoNation and Waymo are like-minded in our joint mission to keep people safe whenever they are in a vehicle.” Waymo’s deal with AutoNation is the latest indication the tech-mobility company is on the cusp of expanding beyond test rides. “We’re excited where we are right now,” Waymo CEO John Krafcik said earlier this week while giving reporters a peek at the company’s R&D facility in California . “This technology has the potential to be transformative.” AutoNation is the latest company to partner with Waymo. The Google unit also has deals with Avis, Lyft and Fiat-Chrysler. FCA USA and Waymo have already modified 100 Chrysler-Pacifica hybrid minivans to include the sensors, cameras and lidar radar that allow the vehicles to operate without a driver. Now, the companies are working on 500 more self-driving minivans. “AutoNation will help assure that Waymo vehicles are always in top condition as we bring fully self-driving cars to the public,” said Krafcik.
