US: Waymo and Jaguar have formally entered into a partnership to bring autonomous cars to the market in the coming days. Waymo CEO John Krafcik said at a press conference in New York, “While we’ve been focused at Waymo on building the world’s most experienced driver, the team at Jaguar Land Rover has developed an all-new battery electric platform that looks to set a new standard in safety, design and capability. We’re sure Waymo riders will enjoy the safe, premium, and delightful experience that the self-driving I-PACE will provide.”
Initial testing and trial phase of Jaguar I-Pace vehicles equipped with Waymo’s self-driving systems will commence later this year. Waymo already has a fleet of autonomous Chrysler Pacifica minivans with no human driver on board operating in Phoenix, Arizona. The specially modified Jaguar I-Pace cars will also be tested in Arizona. The first fully autonomous Jaguars are expected to be operational in 2020.
Dr. Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, said “With the Jaguar I-Pace we have a world-beating car that’s captured the imagination of customers around the world. Our passion for further advancing smart mobility needs expert long-term partners. In joining forces with Waymo we are pioneering to push the boundaries of technology. Together we will deliver the self-driving Waymo Jaguar I-PACE with the grace, space and eco-pace that customers expect.” Speth says his company is already getting strong interest in the I-Pace from interested customers. Jaguar expects to supply up to 20,000 I-Pace vehicles to Waymo over the next few years.
