Google is not a company known for their automobiles, although the company does have plans to develop one that can drive itself. However it seems that Google’s plan for a self-driving car is apparently important and big enough where GM’s executive VP of global product development, Mark Reuss, felt that it could be seen as a threat in the automobile industry.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Reuss was quoted as saying, “Anybody can do anything with enough time and money. If they set their mind to it, I have no doubt that they could become a very serious competitive threat.” A couple of days ago, Google unveiled their latest self-driving car prototype.
The vehicle is small, almost like a Smart Fortwo. It is made from roam and has a flexible windshield to reduce damage during an accident, and will do away with a steering wheel, an accelerator, and a brake pedal. It even took out the back seats, meaning that only two people could ride in the vehicle at the same time.
So how does this tiny vehicle seem like a threat? Well like Reuss said, anyone with the time and money could accomplish something, and the fact that California plans on issuing licenses to self-driving cars soon will probably further this cause. Google is not alone in their efforts, as we have seen GM, Nissan, and Volvo working on self-driving cars of their own.