Photo: Waymo
Waymo and FCA signed an exclusive agreement to develop a Ram Promaster with Level 4 self-driving functionality.

Waymo, FCA partner to deliver autonomous Promaster van

July 23, 2020
Through the recently signed exclusive strategic agreement, the Promaster will achieve Level 4 autonomous driving with the addition of Waymo Driver technology.

Waymo has expanded its partnership with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), which began by modifying the Chrysler Pacifica for self-driving capabilities, into the light commercial vehicle space with the Ram Promaster van. Through the recently signed exclusive strategic agreement, the Promaster will achieve Level 4 autonomous driving with the addition of Waymo Driver technology.

Level 4 autonomous driving, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, allows the vehicle to control driving functions under certain conditions. In a Level 3 scenario, the driver would have to be ready to take the wheel when alerted, while in Level 5, the vehicle is able to command itself under all conditions.

“Our now four-year partnership with Waymo continues to break new ground,” said FCA CEO Mike Manley. “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. 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.”

The strategic partnership is expected to grow across FCA’s portfolio, which also includes the Ram Truck Division.

“Adding Waymo’s commitment to partner with us to deploy its L4 fully autonomous technology across our entire product portfolio, our partnership is setting the pace for the safe and sustainable mobility solutions that will help define the automotive world in the years and decades to come,” Manley said.

Waymo started as a spin-off from Google in 2009, and in 2017, Waymo Via was created to focus on trucking and local delivery applications. Overall, Waymo has accrued 15 billion miles in simulations and 20 million miles on public roads. Waymo Driver makes it all possible through a configuration of cameras and radar and lidar sensors that allow integrated vehicles to sense other objects up to 300 yards away.

“FCA was our first OEM partner, and we’ve come a long way together,” Waymo CEO John Krafcik said. “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.” On the heavy-duty trucking side, Waymo has worked with Paccar to develop self-driving Peterbilt 579 Class 8 trucks.

About the Author

John Hitch | Editor

John Hitch is the editor-in-chief of Fleet Maintenance, providing maintenance management and technicians with the the latest information on the tools and strategies to keep their fleets' commercial vehicles moving. He is based out of Cleveland, Ohio, and was previously senior editor for FleetOwner. He previously wrote about manufacturing and advanced technology for IndustryWeek and New Equipment Digest.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

The Road Ahead: 2025 Trucking and Fleet Insights

Discover how fleet operators are impacted by challenges like driver onboarding delays and complex compliance, and the critical need for technology to boost efficiency and cut ...

Driving Growth: How to Manage More Freight

Ready to grow your trucking business? Whether you have 25 or 200 trucks, this guide offers practical tips and success stories to help you expand with confidence. Discover how ...

How to Maximize Fleet Management with Vehicle Bypass

Join us on February 18th to learn how truck weigh station bypass systems boost fleet performance and driver satisfaction.

Optimizing your fleet safety program using AI

Learn how AI supports fleet safety programs with tools for compliance monitoring, driver coaching and incident analysis to reduce risks and improve efficiency.