Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne could be on the cusp of a new (corporate) romance.
The automaker is talking with ride-sharing megaprovider Uber about join forces on a self-driving vehicle venture, according to Automotive News. Sources close to the matter say those talks are in the early phase, but a agreement could be announced before the end of the year.
FCA is no stranger to seeking autonomous vehicle relationships. An agreement with Amazon’s delivery services fell through, and Marchionne’s wooing of Apple didn’t go anywhere, but the automaker did ink a deal with Google earlier this year to test a fleet of self-driving Chrysler Pacifica minivans at a new Michigan facility.
That relationship has a firm end date, so FCA’s on the make hunt for other partners to further Marchionne’s self-driving dreams. The sources close to the Uber talks said the company is still considering other automakers.
Marchionne has repeatedly expressed his desire to develop self-driving technology, but his company’s dodgy financial standing means doing it in-house, or buying a startup, is off the table. Other automakers have snapped up promising tech startups or spun off subsidiaries in the hopes of gaining ground in the race to develop connected, autonomous vehicle fleets.
The Google partnership saw engineering teams from both companies agree to work alongside each other, testing new technology (and working out the bugs) on 100 Pacifica hybrids. Those modified vehicles are purpose-built, and won’t ever be offered for sale.
While FCA is strapped, Uber Technologies is overflowing with investor cash, and can choose whatever partner it pleases.
At this point, I think Marchionne would partner with Blackberry and Kmart if they offered.
He and Elkann are looking to cash out and retire. Screw the employees, the suppliers, the dealers, and the customers.
And what exactly is Uber suppose to provide for them other than cash. Does Uber know something about autonomous cars that I dont know about.
Uber is a company which has a lot to gain from autonomous cars.
From what I heard they have an R&D department for the technology, maybe vision and algorithm?
At this stage, it seems wise to stay loose and associate with many.
Here comes FCA’s Johnny Cabs!
All that is needed is Arnie to unveil the first FCA/Uber Johnny Cab.
What is Chrysler offering that Toyota isn’t? When it comes to autonomous cars owned by companies, all that matters are the accommodations (interior space, nvh, materials) and the cost of operation on a per mile basis. Look no further than our resident HELLCAT enthusiast, he runs an Uber service and he isn’t buying Chrysler products for his transportation company.
Yawn. Just build good cars.