Google has embarked on the next phase of its autonomous vehicle testing with the announcement of a new self-driving car technology centre in Detroit.
The 53,000 sqft site will test and trial its latest developments on cars provided by Fiat Chrysler and will aim to double the size of Fiat's autonomous fleet to 200.
This will include 100 Chrysler Pacifica vans that will undergo rigorous testing.
Google's parent company Alphabet released a statement regarding the centre's opening, flagging key partnerships as a reason to set up in Detroit.
"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."
The first fleet of Pacifica hyrbid minivans are set to test run the road as early as this year.