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.
