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Waymo self-driving van involved in Arizona crash

A self-driving Chrysler Pacifica minivan operated by Waymo, the autonomy subsidiary of Alphabet/Google, was involved in a two-car accident Friday afternoon in Chandler, Ariz. First reports indicate the autonomous vehicle was not at fault in the crash — not the "violator vehicle," according to ABC 15 News. This may be Waymo's first accident in its Arizona test program. The Waymo van's side was crumpled. Though Waymo announced in November it would do testing in Chandler without a human backup driver, one was behind the wheel of the van involved in the crash. Chandler police said the van was operating in autonomous mode. Minor injuries were reported. The accident was at Chandler Avenue and Los Feliz Drive. A Honda was eastbound on Chandler when it had to swerve to avoid a northbound vehicle in the intersection, police said. When it swerved, it entered the westbound lanes and struck the oncoming Waymo van. Waymo did not immediately comment on the accident. In March, a self-driving Uber vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian in Tempe, the first known fatality involving a self-driving car. Since that crash, Uber has halted its self-driving tests nationwide. Waymo CEO John Krafcik said following the Uber crash that his company's technology would have detected and avoided the pedestrian. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Image Credit: ABC 15 Auto News Green Chrysler Minivan/Van Autonomous Vehicles Waymo chrysler pacifica

SpeedKore's 'Baba Yaga' Chrylser Pacifica will eat kids, not shuttle them

In American movies, the Baba Yaga wears a tailored tactical suit, carries an HK P30L as his primary, drives a 1969 Mustang Mach1, and answers to the name of John Wick. In Slavic folklore, the original Baba Yaga wears less exclusive garb, carries a mortar and pestle, and lives in a cottage that stands on and walks around the forest on chicken legs. The latter version would probably trade in her cottage for SpeedKore's conceptual creation named in her honor, a Chrysler Pacifica with a Demon engine. Working with virtual artist Abimelec Arellano at Abimelec Design, the Wisconsin-based tuners drew up a minivan that could put fear into any children unfortunate enough to anger the mother behind the wheel. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This isn't just about a witch, either. It's a witch with a side of demon plus an extra side of demon. The Hellcat powertrain reaches 1,025 horsepower in the limited-edition Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. That wasn't enough. The caption notes, "The 6.2L V-8 has been treated to what we're calling the 'Lilith Package.' Named for the primordial mother of demons, the Lilith Package brings the supercharged Hemi to a proper 1,514 horsepower and channels it through an 8-speed ZF transmission before the Michelin wrapped SRT wheels deliver power to the pavement." Visual treats include a hood scoop, remade grille, and larger intakes for better breathing, fender flares, tinted taillights, central-exit dual exhaust, and the appropriate badging. A sleeper this is not.  A regular Chrysler Pacifica weighs about 4,530 pounds and makes, at most, 296 horsepower when given hybrid help. SpeedKore's version not only multiplies that figure by more than five, the aerospace-grade carbon fiber body panels that are a shop specialty are claimed to drop 1,000 pounds. They'll do a fine execution of the mission statement, which we're told is "setting lap records, roasting tires, and putting a pep in your step." Anyone who hasn't been too scrambled to step out of the van at its destination, at least. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Samsung might buy Magneti Marelli, FCA's parts supplier

Automotive manufacturing is quickly changing as companies like Google and Apple move into the sector with new products and services. It should be no surprise that other tech companies are making moves to grab a piece of the pie. According to Bloomberg, Korean tech conglomerate Samsung is in talks to purchase major automotive parts supplier Magneti Marelli from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Bloomberg reports that the deal could be worth more than $3 billion. It seems that Samsung is interested in Magneti Marelli's lighting, in-car entertainment, and telematics businesses, but a full purchase of the company isn't off the table. The move would be Samsung's largest-ever purchase outside of South Korea. FCA has already started to branch out and partner with tech firms. The automaker is working with Google to build an autonomous version of the new Pacifica minivan. They hope to have the first batch on the road by the end of the year. Magneti Marelli currently supplies everything from lighting and instrument clusters for passenger vehicles to high-end electronic components for Formula One and MotoGP teams. The company, founded in Italy in 1919, employs around 38,000 workers. Although it's currently owned by FCA, in the past Magneti Marelli has worked with companies like Ford and Microsoft. The purchase could help further diversify Samsung and reduce its dependence on consumer electronics like phones and televisions. Samsung is the world's largest supplier of memory chips and TVs, but the company has taken a hit lately as sales of its smartphones have faltered. In order to keep up with rivals like Apple, the company will need to venture into new markets. Perhaps Samsung's phone expertise would translate to improved vehicle infotainment systems. FCA, on the other hand, is on an aggressive five-year plan aimed at doubling net income. CEO Sergio Marchionne is attempting to eliminate the company's debt, and selling off a major subsidiary could greatly help. A recent attempt at a merger with General Motors failed and further hurt the company's finances. FCA's stock price rose in response to the rumors of the Magneti Marelli sale. Both Samsung and FCA have declined to comment on the move. Related Video: News Source: Bloomberg Technology Rumormill Chrysler Fiat Technology FCA Samsung magnetti marelli