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The Google Self-Driving Car Project will integrate its self-driving technology into Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’s (FCA) 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans.

This collaboration expands Google’s existing self-driving test programme. It is the first time that Google has worked directly with an automanufacturer to integrate its self-driving system, including its sensors and software, into a passenger vehicle.

Later this year, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans will be used for Google’s self-driving testing, more than doubling the latter’s current fleet of self-driving test vehicles.

Engineering responsibilities will be shared based on each company’s individual expertise.

Initially, FCA will design and engineer around 100 vehicles built for Google’s self-driving technology.

Google will integrate the suite of sensors and computers that the vehicles will depend on to navigate roads autonomously.

The two firms will co-locate part of their engineering team at a facility in southeastern Michigan to speed up the design, testing and manufacturing of the self-driving Chrysler Pacifica.

Google Self-Driving Car Project CEO John Krafcik said: "FCA has a nimble and experienced engineering team and the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan is well-suited for Google’s self-driving technology.

"The opportunity to work closely with FCA engineers will accelerate our efforts to develop a fully self-driving car that will make our roads safer and bring everyday destinations within reach for those who cannot drive."

Self-driving cars have the potential to prevent some of the 33,000 deaths that occur each year on US roads, 94% of which are caused by human error.

FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne said: "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."

Currently, Google’s self-driving cars are being tested in four cities in the US.

The self-driving Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans will be tested by Google’s self-driving car team on its private test track in California before operating on public roads.

Image: The Google Self-Driving Car Project will integrate its self-driving technology into Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’s 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans. Photo: Courtesy of PRNewsFoto/FCA US LLC.