Google share price: Tech giant unveils self-driving car prototype with no steering wheel

Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) has presented its new vision for self driving cars, by showcasing a new design that takes the steering wheel and the pedals out of the equation.

While this is not the first time that Google has showcased its self-driving technology, yesterday’s announcement marks a significant change in the company’s approach to the project. Until now the tech giant has modified existing car models to fit its purposes. The new vehicle, however, is entirely conceived and designed by Google.

This has allowed the company to make some bold design choices, such as stripping out some items that are considered essential for automobiles – namely the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedal. Google’s drive for simplistic design is also evident from the lack of some other traditional elements, including mirrors, a backseat, a glove compartment and stereo.

According to Brin, the self-driving programme is currently in a prototype phase, but Google plans to build 100 early versions of the vehicles for testing this summer. Those vehicles will initially include manual controls in case something goes wrong, just like the company’s current self-driving car programme.