FCA, Google Relationship Only in 'First Phase'

FCA’s partnership with Google is only in its “first phase,” says CEO Sergio Marchionne.

Earlier this week, the joint effort was announced that will see FCA outfit a fleet of 100 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivans with Google’s self-driving car technology. According to the automaker, the two companies will jointly develop the vehicles and the relationship could go deeper. “This first phase of the operation is very targeted,” Marchionne said. “It’s designed to take Google technology into the minivan. It’s very, very focused.”

SEE ALSO: Google, FCA Announce Partnership for Self-Driving Cars

Although it has struck a relationship with Google, the CEO also said that the company’s strategy is to keep an open mind with possible partnerships with other companies or technology. In other words, Marchionne is open to “exploring with people who are willing to explore with us, to allow us into their world, into what that outcome will look like.”

Now also serving as Ferrari’s CEO, Marchionne has never shied away at discussing possible relationships with other automakers. In fact, he wanted to approach General Motors on a possible merger and has gone on the record saying he would like to work with Apple on its rumored car. He did admit that not everything has been worked out with Google, but suggested that those concerns can be left for a later date.

“There are a lot of unresolved issues,” he said. “… The most important one is: What is the economic model that ultimately determines the sharing of the attributes of this new model? Who gets what out of all this? Now, I don’t have an answer. But if we don’t start exploring this, we’ll never know.”

[Source: Automotive News]

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