Google’s Self-Driving Car Technology Chief Leaves

Chris Urmson, who has headed technology development for Google Inc.’s self-driving car program since 2009, is leaving the company, The New York Times reports.

The departure comes as Google shifts focus from research to pre-production business issues. “I’m ready for a fresh challenge,” Urmson says, adding, “the mission is in capable hands.”

The Times says Urmson has clashed with Google co-founded Larry Page about the direction being taken by the project. He declined to comment directly about a conflict, but the former Carnegie Mellon University researcher tells Bloomberg News, “It’s been a long time, and it’s time to see what else is out there.”