Google has reportedly been in talks with several major automobile manufacturers in an effort to get their self-driving cars ready for sale by 2020. Some of these manufacturers and suppliers include major players in the space such as Ford, Toyota, and General Motors.
Chris Urmson, director of the self-driving project, cleverly noted that Google likely wouldn't be able to manufacturer a vehicle better than automobile makers can, so it makes more sense to work with, rather than against, established companies. GM has gone on record saying they would be open to the idea of working with Google, too. Despite getting these partnerships ready, Google still may decide to just create the automated systems instead of manufacturing the entire vehicle.
With these partnerships, Google hopes it can have the cars ready for production within the next five years, assuming no legal regulations create obstacles. The search giant has been working on these vehicles and systems since 2012.
Early prototypes of Google's self-driving cars apparently look very much like concept designs, but Urmson said the designs of the vehicles will change gradually over time, much like how the cars we use today have.
source: Reuters
