Google In Talks With Major Automakers for Self-Driving Car

Internet giant Google Inc. has started talks with most of the world's top automakers and assembled a team of global suppliers to speed its push to bring self-driving cars to market, Chris Urmson, the head of the project, said Wednesday at the Automotive News World Congress. The suppliers named by Google included Bosch, which supplies power electronics and long-range radar to Google; ZF Lenksysteme, which supplies a new steering gear; LG Electronics, which supplies the batteries; Continental; and Roush. Mr. Urmson confirmed that Roush, the Michigan-based engineering and specialty manufacturing company, built the podlike two-seater that Google plans to start testing on public roads this year. Crain's Detroit Business reported that relationship last May. Google did not ask a large automaker to build this car, Mr. Urmson said during a discussion, but intends to do so in the future when it seeks to commercialize its technology. "At some point, we're going to be looking to find partners to build complete vehicles, and bring the technology to market," Mr. Urmson said. Asked when that might be, he replied: "When it's safe and ready." He declined to name the companies or share details of their discussions. Reuters reported earlier that the manufacturers contacted by Google include General Motors, Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp., Daimler and Volkswagen. Google plans to deploy a test fleet of Roush-built prototypes in 2015. On closed courses, Mr. Urmson said, the cars will be able to operate without a steering wheel, brakes or accelerator -- and drive themselves without a human passenger. Due to California regulations, controls will be added and a test driver will be behind the wheel when the car travels on public roads. Samir Salman, CEO of Continental's North American unit, told Automotive News that his company will help design the Google fleet's brakes, tires, body controllers and interior electronics. "We've been working with them for a while," Mr. Salman said. "Now we'll concentrate on [helping Google] to build the prototypes. That's our focus." Gabe Nelson is a reporter for Automotive News. David Sedgwick also contributed to this report.

Google In Talks With Major Automakers for Self-Driving Car

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