Google’s development of self-driving cars has come screeching to a halt, according to a report published by The Information.
Google are scaling back their ambitions for autonomous driving by shifting their focus from creating cars without steering wheels or pedals to creating more conventional cars with other partners.
Google are currently working closely with Fiat Chrysler to create a self-driving minivan. The prototype being designed by Fiat Chrysler will be based off the Pacifica minivan.
The CEO of Alphabet Larry Page and CFO Ruth Porat were behind the proposed change in focus, with Google co-founder Sergey Brin agreeing with them. The concern was that self-producing a completely unconventional car without a steering wheel would prove to be impractical.
If this report is to be believed, Apple will now have less competition for their own self-driving cars, which were rumored when a letter sent by Apple to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration emerged.
Google is expected to make an announcement of their plans moving forward in the near future.