Google Self Drive Car: Google Expanding Beyond Search, Taking to the Streets

Google Self Drive Car: While there is no denying the fact that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is the king of search, the company is looking to flex its muscles in other industries. While the company has many products in the pipeline, one that a lot of people are looking forward to is its driverless car.

Isn’t this a bit far fetched? Isn’t Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) stepping too far out of its comfort zone on this one? While this may sound like a bad science fiction movie, the fact of the matter remains the same: the search giant could change the automotive industry forever if they are able to achieve success with this project. Not to mention the fact that it will forever change the daily life of millions of people.

In a recent article published by Forbes, Chunka Mui takes a closer look at this technology and the direction in which Google is heading. Here is a brief overview of what this could mean for the world as a whole:

“In fact, the driverless car has broad implications for society, for the economy and for individual businesses. Just in the U.S., the car puts up for grab some $2 trillion a year in revenue and even more market cap. It creates business opportunities that dwarf Google’s current search-based business and unleashes existential challenges to market leaders across numerous industries, including car makers, auto insurers, energy companies and others that share in car-related revenue.”

As you can see, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is really looking to shake things up. Success in this area would bring many business opportunities to the forefront, while also forcing established companies, such as auto manufacturers, to rethink their position.

If you want to get a better idea of what Google thinks about this project, check out this video with lead developer Sebastian Thrun.

In the video, he discusses what the car hopes to bring to the world (as compiled by Mui):

“We can reduce traffic accidents by 90%”

“We can reduce wasted commute time and energy by 90%”

“We can reduce the number of cars by 90%”

As you can see, Thrun is expecting big things from Google’s driverless car. Just by looking at these numbers alone, he expects the driving experience to change in ways never before considered possible.

For a better idea of what these claims mean, in terms of numbers, take a look at this calculation from the Forbes piece:

“Now take 90% off these numbers. Google is claiming its car could save almost 30,000 lives each year on U.S. highways and prevent nearly 2 million additional injuries. Google claims it can reduce accident-related expenses by at least $400 billion a year in the U.S. Even if Google is way off—and I don’t believe it is—the improvement in safety will be startling.”

What do you think about Google’s driverless car? Is this a good move for the company or should they stick to search?

Check back here for more updates on Google Self Drive Car.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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