Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is seeking multiple partners in the auto industry to develop Google’s self-driving car, which is part of its initiative to reduce traffic accidents and expand mobility for disabled people and the elderly.
John Krafcik, the head of self-driving car project at Google said Alphabet plans to announce some of the company’s partnerships this year. Mr. Krafcik made the statement during the Automotive News conference, which was held in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show on Tuesday,
Mr. Krafcik added that almost all of the automakers contacted Google to know its progress on the self-driving car project. According to him, “I don’t know how many we’ll end up having.”
His comments contradicts the speculation the Google would only select one automaker to become its exclusive partner to develop self-driving cars.
Last year. Google co-founder Sergey Brin said they are looking for auto manufacturing partners to use the company’s self-driving car technology.
GM willing to collaborate with Google on self-driving car
Earlier this month, General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) indicated its willingness to collaborate with Google on developing the self-driving car technology.
During the Detroit auto show, GM CTO Jon Lauckner said he personally believes that the company is “open to discuss with Google” regarding the matter, but he clarified that he is not in-charge in making a decision in what the automaker will and will not do.
Mr. Lauckner added that some of the people currently working at Google’s self-driving car project worked with GM before. He added that he will be completely surprised if the tech giant would not offer something to GM in terms of working together in the project.
In October, last year, Mark Reuss, chief of product development at General Motors expressed that they are “very interested” exploring ways to complement the company’s manufacturing skills with Google’s self-driving system.
Ford in talks to form joint venture with Google to build self-driving cars
Last month, it was reported that Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is negotiating with Google to form a joint venture to build self-driving cars. Sources said that automaker will probably announce a partnership this January.
Ford has been developing a self-driving software and conducting experiments for years. The automaker recently revealed its intention to start testing its software on public roads in California and Texas.
