Fiat Chrysler and Aurora to develop self-driving commercial vehicles

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ North American unit (FCA US) has partnered with autonomous vehicle technology start-up Aurora to develop autonomous platforms for commercial vans.

According to Aurora, the collaboration with Fiat Chrysler will further expand the scope of the Aurora Driver. This will enable Fiat Chrysler to provide a range of solutions to strategic customers working in areas such as logistics and transit.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Mike Manley said: “As part of FCA’s autonomous vehicle strategy we will continue to work with strategic partners in this space to address the needs of consumers in a rapidly changing industry.

“Aurora brings a unique skillset combined with advanced and purposeful technology that complements and enhances our philosophy on self-driving.”

The pact will enable Aurora to develop and deploy self-driving commercial vehicles, which would be deployed for commercial applications such as delivery vans and ride-hailing fleets.

Already Aurora has teamed up German car maker Volkswagen, South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co and China’s Byton to develop and test self-driving systems.

For the ride-sharing service, Fiat Chrysler has signed a contract with Waymo, formerly the Google self-driving car project.

Under the contract, Waymo One will acquire approximately 60,000 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans and transform them according to its local requirements at a new plant outside Detroit.

In May, FCA proposed a 50-50 merger with French automaker Renault. However, the deal aimed at creating a more efficient entity for developing global vehicle platforms, collapsed after FCA withdrew its proposal.