(Repeats to widen distribution)
May 3 (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's Google GOOGL.O unit has
agreed to buy 100 plug-in hybrid minivans from Fiat Chrysler (NYSE:FCAU)
Automobiles NV FCHA.MI FCAU.N to expand its self-driving
vehicle testing program, the two companies said on Tuesday -- in
the most advanced partnership to date between Silicon Valley and
a carmaker.
The vehicles will not be offered for sale to the public.
Unlike prior testing in which Google bought Toyota Motor Corp
7203.T vehicles from dealers and retrofitted them, the search
engine giant will work with FCA directly on the test models.
Under the agreement, FCA will equip 100 of the Chrysler
Pacifica minivans it launched in February with Google's
self-driving technology. The deal does not preclude either FCA
or Google from cooperating with others, the companies said in a
statement.