Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has delivered 100 Pacifica Hybrid minivans equipped with autonomous technology to Waymo, the new automated vehicles company spun out from Google parent company Alphabet. The modified minivans will be a part of a test fleet that Waymo plans to put on the road next year.

“With this great new minivan on the road in our test markets, we’ll learn how people of all ages, shapes, and group sizes experience our fully self-driving technology,” said Waymo CEO John Krafcik in a statement published on the company website.

Engineers from both Waymo and Chrysler worked on the technology installed on the minivans. Besides having Waymo’s technology, which includes a suite of updated sensors, an all-new computer and other major system updates, the minivans have also seen modifications made to their electrical, powertrain, chassis and structural systems. 

According to the Vege, the minivans are expected to hit the roads of California, Washington, Arizona and Texas next year, and, there’s a possibility that these minivans could be used as part of an autonomous ride sharing service as early as late next year. 

Via the Detroit Free Press, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne said, “as consumers’ transportation needs evolve, strategic collaborations such as this one are vital to promoting a culture of innovation, safety and technology.”

He added, “our partnership with Waymo enables FCA to directly address the opportunities and challenges the automotive industry faces as we quickly approach a future where fully self-driving vehicles are very much a part of our daily lives.”

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