Google Ford Self-Driving Car Features Are Speculative, But Promising Nonetheless

When Google and Ford, both heavyweights in their respective industries, join forces, it only makes sense to expect the best of the bests. 

Admittedly, not much is known yet about Google Ford self-driving car features.

However, ever since Yahoo Auto reported that the multinational giants are teaming up to launch a new joint-venture, imaginations are running wild.

It's no longer a secret that both Google and Ford aspire to play the role of a pioneer in the still nascent, but promising self-driving car industry. 

Both are investing heavily in research and development to ensure that they can strengthen their grips on future mobility trends before anyone else.

Based on the technologies at the disposal of both Google and Ford, it is extremely likely that Google Ford self-driving car features will include upgraded versions of promising current generation technologies such as Ford's Sync 3 connected infotainment system, along with next-generation in-car apps (via Smart Device Link, an open source platform), Internet of Things connectivity and so on.

Meanwhile, some analysts also believe that Google is keen on pushing its own technologies when it to comes to the key specs and features, for example, artificial intelligence, cameras, sensors and so on.

The prototypes of Google's first-generation self-driving vehicles are generally powered by equipment worth approximately $150,000. 

That includes an expensive LIDAR system costing somewhere around $70,000 and Velodyne 64-beam laser mounted on the vehicles.

These are just speculations, though! None of the companies has revealed anything as of now about any possible Google Ford self-driving car feature. 

So, it remains interesting to see how many of these cutting-edge technologies pave their way to the first-generation products from the joint venture.

But all being said, Ford will definitely hate being the passive player in the joint venture. It is almost certain to reject the role of a mere supplier of regular car parts such as wheels, the engine, seats etc.

Based on this report by Automotive News, it is fair to assume that negotiations on these details are currently underway. 

Yahoo Auto also reports that the new venture, if and when it finally happens, will be a separate entity with its own management.

Also, word on the street is that the first self-driving vehicle manufactured by this joint venture will hit the roads by 2020.

Korea Portal can not independently verify the authenticity of these reports, but we will keep updating readers regularly on possible Google Ford self-driving car features and release date.