MENU
SEARCHGoogle’s autonomous driving operation, now known as Waymo, collaborates with FCA to produce 100 hybrid minivans engineered for autonomous driving.
FCA has delivered 100 uniquely built Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivans to Waymo for its self-driving test fleet. Photo courtesy of FCA.
FCA has delivered 100 uniquely built Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivans to Waymo for its self-driving test fleet. Photo courtesy of FCA.
One hundred Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans, engineered to enable self-driving operations, have just been produced to join Waymo’s autonomous vehicle test fleet in early 2017, according to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Waymo.
Waymo is the new name for Google’s self-driving car project.
The minivans are now being outfitted with Waymo’s fully self-driving technology, including a purpose-built computer and a suite of sensors, telematics, and other systems, the companies said.
The collaboration between FCA and Waymo brought together engineers from both companies to integrate Waymo’s autonomous driving system into the 2017-model year Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan. The task called for engineering modifications to the minivan’s electrical, powertrain, chassis, and structural systems.
“The Pacifica Hybrid will be a great addition to our fully self-driving test fleet,” said John Krafcik, Waymo CEO. “FCA’s product development and manufacturing teams have been agile partners, enabling us to go from program kickoff to full vehicle assembly in just six months.”
Waymo and FCA co-located part of their engineering teams at a facility in southeastern Michigan to accelerate the overall development process. In addition, they carried out extensive testing at FCA’s Chelsea Proving Grounds in Chelsea, Mich., at FCA's Arizona Proving Grounds in Yucca, Ariz., and at Waymo test sites in California.
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.
Read More →
A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.
Read More →
More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.
Read More →
Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.
Read More →
An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.
Read More →
