Google has announced that it will launch an R&D center devoted to self-driving technology in a suburb of Detroit called Novi, Michigan. The
reveal of the development center comes on the heels of reports that Apple, itself involved in automobile development and possibly self-driving technology, was
looking for land near its Cupertino headquarters for testing cars, possibly self-driving ones. Google is said to have a facility comprising 53,000 square feet, and the location was picked for easier access to talent and potential industry partners.
While the facility will not be likely to be fully operational until early next year, Google has already said that one of its first tasks will involve testing and work on the Pacifica self-driving mini-vans, part of a partnership deal with Fiat Chrysler. While some in the auto industry fear the influx of tech firms into vehicle and car technology production, the moves have undeniably put a rush on the increased manufacture and deployment of electric vehicles into the mainstream of US transportation, and promoted greater interest in modernizing mass transit, as well as selected technologies like self-driving vehicles.
Pacifica self-driving minivan
Apple, along with other companies like Tesla, Uber, and Lyft are all investigating expanded automotive technologies ranging from improved battery performance to advanced safety features like object detection and avoidance. Apple recently invested $1 billion in
a Chinese ride-sharing service, and its CarPlay technology is finally taking off, finally becoming available in large numbers of mainstream 2016 and 2017 car and truck models. Apple's precise plans for the auto industry are unknown, but it is rumored to be working on several fronts, from more-advanced implementations of CarPlay to the possibly of full-on branded vehicle production.
Recently, Apple has been seen to be talking to companies about improving the infrastructure to support greater
electric-vehicle recharging and maintenance, would could hint at the company's plans to produce (or at least team up with an established manufacturing partner) an electric vehicle it would seem to think will be popular enough to warrant increased support. Given so many tech firms investing in electric and other vehicle technology, Apple may be incorporating bigger-picture thinking into its own vehicle plans.