Google set to open testing center in Detroit

In a public statement, issued in May, 2016, the company shared details of the new center.

“For the past few years, members of our team have been working from the Greater Detroit area. Now it’s time to lay down roots.

Many of our current partners are based here, so having a local facility will help us collaborate more easily and access Michigan’s top talent in vehicle development and engineering.

One of the first tasks will be to ready our self-driving Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans. We’ll begin moving in throughout 2016.”

The 5,000 square meter (53,000 square foot) center will also enable Google and its partners, including Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to “further develop and refine self-driving technology.”

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In 2009, Google began testing its autonomous driving technology with a Toyota Prius, equipped with Google equipment.

Since then, over 70 vehicles, including adapted Lexus cars, have been used.

The tech giant recently added 100 new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid vehicles.