Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has selected Waymo as its exclusive, strategic technology partner for L4 fully self-driving technology across FCA’s full product portfolio.

Waymo will also work exclusively with FCA as its preferred partner on the development and testing of L4 autonomous light commercial vehicles for the movement of goods, including in the Waymo Via vehicle.

Waymo says that initially, it will look to equip the Ram ProMaster van with its Waymo Driver self-driving technology. According to Waymo, the Ram ProMaster van is a “highly configurable platform that will enable access to a broad range of global commercial customers.”

“FCA was our first OEM partner, and we’ve come a long way together. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans were the first vehicles in our Waymo One fleet, and, guided by the Waymo Driver, have now safely and reliably driven more fully autonomous miles than any other vehicle on the planet,” says John Krafcik, chief executive officer, Waymo. 

“Today, we’re expanding our partnership with FCA with the Waymo Driver as the exclusive L4 autonomy solution for this global automotive company. Together, we’ll introduce the Waymo Driver throughout the FCA brand portfolio, opening up new frontiers for ride-hailing, commercial delivery, and personal-use vehicles around the world.”

FCA became Waymo’s first OEM partner back in 2016. Since then, the companies have worked together to equip FCA vehicles with the Waymo Driver. Among the accomplishments that the companies have achieved together are the development of the L4-ready Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan, as well as the launch of the first commercial autonomous ride-hailing service, beginning to offer fully driverless service to Waymo’s riders, and driving in dozens of cities that have diverse geographies and challenging weather conditions.

“Our now four-year partnership with Waymo continues to break new ground. Incorporating the Waymo Driver, the world’s leading self-driving technology, into our Pacifica minivans, we became the only partnership actually deploying fully autonomous technology in the real world, on public roads,” explains Mike Manley, chief executive officer, FCA.

“With this next step, deepening our relationship with the very best technology partner in this space, we’re turning to the needs of our commercial customers by jointly enabling self-driving for light commercial vehicles, starting with the Ram ProMaster.”