Google has just taken a big step forward in its development of self-driving cars by hiring John Krafcik, formerly of automotive firms Hyundai, Ford and TrueCar, to head the project.
The tech giant announced yesterday that the thoroughly experienced Krafcik would become the first CEO of its car project later this month. Krafcik has called his new job “a great opportunity to help Google develop the enormous potential of self-driving cars”.
Krafcik’s last appointment was as president of the Internet car retail service TrueCar in April 2014. However, he has held leadership positions at other automotive companies, including CEO of Hyundai Motor America from 2008 to 2013 – during which time, the brand saw noticeable increases in its reputation and market share.
Google’s self-driving car initiative began in 2009, and spokeswoman Kara Berman has told Fortune that the company aims to eventually pilot “built-from-ground-up” prototype vehicles. Any cars that Google eventually puts to market could compete with similar cars from Apple, which has been reportedly interested in making a vehicle based on the BMW i3 electric car, pictured above.
