Honda in talks with Alphabet's Waymo on self-driving car technology
Honda is reportedly in negotations with Waymo -- Alphabet's self-driving car subsidiary -- for a deal that could place the latter's technology in some of its vehicles.
Both companies said the current talks are oriented toward research, according to Bloomberg. If successful, Honda could provide modified vehicles that would join the Waymo fleet being tested in four U.S. cities.
While Waymo does have some custom test vehicles of its own, the company is increasingly turning to existing automakers for the next steps in development. Fiat Chrysler for instance is providing 100 modified Pacifica minivans, now slated to start driving in early 2017. Last year GM and Ford reportedly tried to sign deals with Waymo's predecessor under Google X, but never settled on an arrangement -- likely because of disagreements on who would own data and technology.
Honda will continue to work on its own self-driving technology, it said, aiming for its first commercial sales in 2020 or sometime thereafter.
Waymo has been explicit about its goals, saying its technology could be used in "the ridesharing business, trucking, logistics, even personally used vehicles and licensing with automakers." Indeed Waymo could have a ridehailing business as soon as 2017.
A partnership with Honda would increase pressure on Apple, which is known to be working on self-driving technology but has allegedly put any efforts to design its own car on hold until at least late 2017. Even then the company is simply expected to decide between that or partnering with an existing automaker, but Waymo deals -- and automakers' own projects -- could make the second option more difficult.
Both companies said the current talks are oriented toward research, according to Bloomberg. If successful, Honda could provide modified vehicles that would join the Waymo fleet being tested in four U.S. cities.
While Waymo does have some custom test vehicles of its own, the company is increasingly turning to existing automakers for the next steps in development. Fiat Chrysler for instance is providing 100 modified Pacifica minivans, now slated to start driving in early 2017. Last year GM and Ford reportedly tried to sign deals with Waymo's predecessor under Google X, but never settled on an arrangement -- likely because of disagreements on who would own data and technology.
Honda will continue to work on its own self-driving technology, it said, aiming for its first commercial sales in 2020 or sometime thereafter.
Waymo has been explicit about its goals, saying its technology could be used in "the ridesharing business, trucking, logistics, even personally used vehicles and licensing with automakers." Indeed Waymo could have a ridehailing business as soon as 2017.
A partnership with Honda would increase pressure on Apple, which is known to be working on self-driving technology but has allegedly put any efforts to design its own car on hold until at least late 2017. Even then the company is simply expected to decide between that or partnering with an existing automaker, but Waymo deals -- and automakers' own projects -- could make the second option more difficult.
Comments
I would expect that Krafcik would try to use his former contacts at Hyundai to try and negotiate a deal. However, it's quite unlikely to be successful.
Hyundai does not need Google technology. They are already dominant in the South Korean market and will develop this technology on their own.
They are moving very rapidly in several areas and will come to dominate electric and fuel cell power trains anyhow. Dominating these platforms is far important in the near term than self driving technology.
Krafcik is smart in wanting Hyundai's business, he knows the company well and what they are capable of. But it won't happen. The Koreans want to control the technology on their own. And the Chaebol are beginning to show signs of collaborating better with each other. There will come a day when Samsung and LG dominate IoT and Hyundai dominates transportation.
After Samsung's experience with Google and Android, hyundai won't be wanting to experience a repeat.
Hyundai turned down collaborating with Mercedes-Benz on the development of advanced technology propulsion platforms. Why would they want to develop anything in collaboration with Google who will steal the technology and use it to Hyundai's detriment?
Hyundai sees the development of advanced technology as the key in moving forward. However, they have made it a priority in owning the technology. It's hard to see them collaborating with Google who will just give to the other automakers.
Hyundai is making significant advances in catalyst and battery technologies. Technologies which are far greater challenges than the development of automated driver assistance software.
Honda and Fiat-Chrysler are not high tech companies. GM and Hyundai are actually the best in technology. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but no one else really comes close. Even Toyota who leads the hybrid market, is trailing substantially with respect to technology.
It would be a fantastic coup for Google if Krafcik is able to win Hyundai as a client. But the negotiations won't amount to much.
“We (Hyundai) are discussing with Google because we both need something from each other.” said President Jung Jin-haeng of Hyundai Motor Company at ‘Press Conference with Minister of Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and CEO of Automotive Industries’ that was held at Conrad Seoul Hotel on the 17th. “Because Google is not too familiar with vehicles and we are a top 5 global automotive manufacturer, we are looking for ways to help each other.”
http://english.etnews.com/20160818200002
There is nothing here that would indicate that Hyundai is partnering with Waymo specifically or for self driving technology.
Hyundai makes very nice cars, but if they decide to partner with Google, I'll be purchasing my next vehicle from GM, namely the Bolt.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/3109498/car-tech/hyundai-in-talks-with-google-on-developing-self-driving-cars.html