AutoNation to provide service to Waymo's self-driving cars

AutoNation Inc. has partnered with Waymo, Google’s self-driving car affiliate, in a multi-year service agreement.AutoNation’s franchise stores, AutoNation USA stores and other AutoNation locations will provide vehicle maintenance and repairs for Waymo’s fleet of self-driving Chrysler Pacifica hybrids.AutoNation will provide “strategic capabilities to maximize the self-driving vehicle fleet’s life across the United States,” the nation’s largest new-vehicle retailer said in a statement Thursday.Under the deal, AutoNation will initially work with Waymo’s autonomous vehicle program in the Phoenix and northern California markets.AutoNation shares surged on the news -- along with its third-quarter report -- rising 14.8 percent to close at $54.62. Waymo has been developing self-driving technology for eight years. It aims to bring Level 4 automation -- meaning the vehicle can drive without human supervision in defined conditions -- to the public.Waymo is testing autonomous vehicles in six states: Michigan, Texas, Arizona, Washington, Nevada and California. AutoNation said it plans to expand with Waymo as the company adds brands and enters new markets.AutoNation, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., ranks No. 1 on Automotive News' list of the top 150 dealership groups based in the U.S., with retail sales of 337,622 new vehicles in 2016.Katie Burke contributed to this report.

AutoNation to provide service to Waymo's self-driving cars

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