Concept cars and pilot projects provide a glimpse of a more automated future After the rapid-fire news coming out of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week and the ongoing Detroit Auto Show, the world of driverless and automated mobility has been flooded with concept cars, pilot programs, and mobility services this month. As automakers and technology companies continue to stake their respective claims within the rapidly shifting world of transportation, more and more models of how our transportation system will look are beginning to take shape. Here?s a quick overview of the big announcements.

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John Krafcik, CEO of Waymo, debuts a customized Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show
Minivans rarely make big ripples at the Detroit Auto show. But a new driverless model designed by Waymo, the Google/Alphabet self-driving spin-off, generated a lot of attention from attendees. Built by Fiat Chrysler, the converted Pacifica offers a tangible example of the technology company?s new market strategy, focusing on developing driverless technology and licensing it to automakers. Waymo also has plans to develop a radar-and-sensor kit that could be integrated into conventional vehicles. This repositioning of Waymo as a supplier and turnkey solution for automakers has enticed Honda to begin discussions about licensing technology. The company plans to start testing the vans on public roads near Mountain View...