Google Looking To Build R&D Site For Self-Driving Cars In Michigan (REPORT)

Feb 17, 2016 11:03 AM EST | John Nassivera

Google has reported found another spot to test its self-driving technology.

Alphabet, the parent company of the search giant, is looking for locations to build an R&D site for its autonomous vehicles near Ann Arbor, Mich., sources with knowledge on the matter told Automotive News affiliate Crain's Detroit Business. They added that the goal is to obtain at least 30,000 square feet of space, with considered locations including Southfield, Troy and Farmington Hills.

The move, if true, would follow a year after Google announced that it would move into about 140,000 square feet of space outside downtown Ann Arbor, which was followed by the company leasing about 90,000 square feet in the 696 Centre building in Farmington Hills.

Michigan is already home to several test sites for self-driving cars, including MCity and the University of Michigan, which may have an influence on Google's autonomous plans, as the company reportedly wants to hold its tests in a restricted area, like a college campus, according to Autoblog.

Google currently has three spots for testing its autonomous technology, which include Mountain View, Calif., Austin, Texas, and Kirkland, Wash., which the search giant added to its test site list just two weeks ago.

The report is the latest development to come out of Google's self-driving project, following a week after FCC documents suggested that the company is testing a wireless charging systems for the cars, 9 to 5 Google reported. Google also revealed last week that it was hiring for manufacturing and marketing jobs involving next-gen technology, with 36 positions currently open on the job listings.

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