Waymo Teams with Renault-Nissan in France and Japan
Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo unit has signed deals with alliance partners Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co. to explore driverless mobility services in France and Japan.
Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo self-driving car unit has signed deals with alliance partners Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co. to explore driverless mobility services in France and Japan.
The agreements are Waymo’s first initiatives outside of the U.S., where the company has been testing self-driving vehicles with other partners for several years. Waymo, which started as Google’s autonomous vehicle project in 2009, currently is working with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Jaguar Land Rover, Lyft and the AutoNation dealership group.
The partnerships with Renault and Nissan will evaluate the potential for robo-taxis, passenger shuttles and autonomous delivery vehicles. The partners also will research legal and regulatory issues related to self-driving vehicles in multiple markets. No timeframe was provided for testing or possible commercial applications.
There are no immediate plans for Renault-Nissan to supply vehicles to Waymo, which currently modifies Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans and Jaguar i-Pace electric cars for testing and pilot programs.
Following the initial studies in France and Japan, Waymo may work with Renault-Nissan in other markets. But the partnership won’t involve China.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Kroger Tests Self-Driving Grocery Delivery Service
The Kroger Co. and Silicon Valley startup Nuro launched a pilot program for autonomous grocery delivery this week in Scottsdale, Ariz.
-
On Ford Maverick, Toyota Tundra Hybrid, and GM's Factory Footprint
GM is transforming its approach to the auto market—and its factories. Ford builds a small truck for the urban market. Toyota builds a full-size pickup and uses a hybrid instead of a diesel. And Faurecia thinks that hydrogen is where the industry is going.
-
On The Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, and More
An inside look at the Detroit Assembly Complex-Mack; a innovative approach to waste-free, two-tone painting; why a forging press is like an F1 car; and other automotive developments.