Very valid point. I think you might find this video interesting:

(I'd love to know what your wife thinks of the design and / or their design process. How capable is Google at designing cars?)

The thing is, it's too early in the production process for Google to make a final decision on how to implement their system. That's what we're really talking about, a system of computers and some sensors. Making those do something useful is what Google's good at. All Google wants is to bring their system into as many cars as possible. Here's what could happen:

- Google will build a car themselves, or acquire a car company. Remember, they acquired Motorola for $11 billion just to get into the smartphone game.

- Google will partner with a large car company. Collaboration means that Google doesn't have to manage the car part except from some sensor placements.

- Google will license their system to other car companies. Ever heard of George B. Selden? Held the patent for the automobile, became rich off royalties. Google could end up in the same luxurious position. They're far ahead of the competition.

Most people (including the author of that piece), after seeing the prototype car released last month, assumed that Google would automatically go for option #1. They're making a car themselves now, surely the future Google car is from Google? I'm of the opinion that the third option is the most likely - Google having their proprietary system, selling it to GM, VW, Toyota etc as an option on regular cars, like cruise control is now. Further in the future it might be the other way around, with cars having GoogleDrive as default and steering as an option.