Google, Ford To Collaborate For Self-Driving Cars

According to a latest report from Yahoo Autos, Google and Ford are planning to team up to develop and build self-driving vehicles. The partnership will be announced at next month’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, TechCrunch reported.

The agreement, however, is non-exclusive, meaning Google would be free to work with other automakers interested in its self-driving car technology, Yahoo Autos noted.

The partnership will give a major boost to Ford in self-driving software development, while Google will be able to avoid spending billions of dollars and several years required to build its own automotive manufacturing expertise.

Ford has been experimenting with its own systems for years and recently revealed its plans to start testing on public streets in California. Google has 53 test vehicles on the road in California and Texas, with over 1 million miles logged in autonomous driving. 

While the deal remains unconfirmed at the moment, its exact details are also unclear. However, Yahoo Autos said that the venture is likely to be legally separate from Ford, which will shield it from liability concerns.