Tech Trend 247

Google just figured out how to make minivans relevant: Make them autonomous.

Google announced Tuesday afternoon that it is teaming with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and adding 100 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to its self-driving car fleet, thereby doubling the number of autonomous cars in Google's stable.

This statement confirms a report last week that the two companies were in late-stage talks over a technical partnership.

Perhaps the most significant point of all, this announcement marks the first time Google has partnered directly with a carmaker to produce the tech giant's self-driving cars. Before, Google just bought cars like the Lexus RX crossover or the Toyota Prius and fitted them with its self-driving tech.

"FCA will design the minivans so it’s easy for us to install our self-driving systems," the Google announcement read, "including the computers that hold our self-driving software, and the sensors that enable our software to see what’s on the road around the vehicle."

As for why it chose minivans, Google said it wanted the opportunity to test larger vehicles. Moreover, it also likes the handsfree sliding door design, which allows passengers to enter and exit more easily.

FCA isn't simply functioning as a coach builder, though. Over the coming months, Google will work with the carmaker's engineers to, as Google put it, "better understand how to create a fully self-driving car that can take you from A to B with the touch of a button."

Maybe minivans aren't as passé as I had thought.

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Now, is it Google car helping Fiat Chrysler or the other way around?

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Alphabet's Google car are reportedly in late-stage talks on a technical partnership, according to a CNBC tweet.

At first blush, it might seem that Google is seeking car production help from FCA, as Google doesn't have much experience in the car-making realm, aside from its prototype cars.

Likely, however, it's FCA that is keen to partner with Google and glean the tech giant's massive experience with self-driving cars. That's because FCA, unlike hometown rivals Ford and GM, hasn't done much in autonomous tech development.

Now, these reported technical partnership talks shouldn't be conflated with FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne's attempts to partner with another carmakers. Recently, both Ford and GM have declined Marchionne's partnership offers.

Last month, self-proclaimed Apple-freak Marchionne said he would love to help Apple build its first car. There's been no word whether Apple has any interest on taking Marchionne up on the offer.

It's not clear what Google would stand to gain from opening up its technical information to FCA, which raises red flags on the validity of the report. Regardless, FCA could use a tech infusion.

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Ever had trouble getting your Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep into park? It might not be your fault.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced Friday afternoon that it is voluntarily recalling 1.1 million vehicles worldwide (811,586 in the U.S.) to repair a confusing shifter, which has caused 41 injuries to date.

The recalled vehicles span 2012 to 2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans and model-year 2014 to 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs.

The models were fitted with an electronic automatic transmission shifter that has been confusing drivers. What's so confusing about the shifter operation? Here's how FCA explains the shifter's operation, "Gear-selection is conveyed to the driver by multiple sets of indicator lights, not gear-selector position."

As someone who's used the shifter, here's how I'd describe it: No matter what you did, it was never quite clear how to move the shifter handle in such a way that you could consistently engage Park. Sometime a jostle of the shifter would grab Neutral. Other times it would engage Reverse. Often, you'd just have to move it back and forth a couple times until the P for Park was illuminated.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted for the recall and repair. In the meantime, FCA encourages drivers to "follow the instructions in their owners’ manuals."

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