Google is a tech company whose specialty seems to be more towards creating online products and services, and less on actual physical products (although there are some). This means that while Google is interested in self-driving technology, it does not mean that they have the know-how or the capability to produce such vehicles.
If that’s the case, who will be the ones to build Google’s fleet of self-driving cars? According to a report from Yahoo Auto, it seems that it will be none other than Ford who will be responsible for the manufacturing of Google’s self-driving cars. This is merely a rumor at the moment but if their sources are to be believed, this partnership could be announced at CES 2016 next month.
This would no doubt be a smart move by Google as it would save the company millions, if not billions, trying to manufacture their own cars. Not to mention Ford has had decades of experience when it comes to making vehicles and already has the infrastructure and equipment in place to make it happen.
That being said, Yahoo Auto notes that while the deal is between Ford and Google, Ford could create a separate company or entity that would legally distance themselves from the main Ford company. This means that if anything should go wrong, you won’t be able to actually sue Ford for it. Take it with a grain of salt for now, but hopefully we will learn more about Ford’s plans next month.