Google Focusing Self-Driving Tech on Shared-Ride Cars

Google Inc. co-founder Sergey Brin tells reporters in California the first application for the company's self-driving car technology will be in automated taxi-like services, not privately owned vehicles, Automotive News reports.

Brin says Google hasn't yet decided exactly how to introduce the technology, which the company has been developing since 2009. But he says a priority is to quickly enable as many people as possible to experience autonomous driving.

Brin, who also is president of Google's new Alphabet Inc. parent company, envisions a taxi service that deploys a fleet of self-driving cars for customers who summon them. Such a scheme would enable Google to easily monitor the cars and quickly fine-tune their technology based on actual usage, he says.

He adds that Google intends to hire others to build such cars. The company is testing a fleet of autonomous two-seater electrics now. The cars are being made by Livonia, Mich.-based Roush Enterprises Inc.

Brin emphasizes that Google is "open" to applying its technology in personal cars probably in a system that can be turned on and off by the driver. But he says installing its technology in personally owned vehicles is not an immediate priority.