Google taps former Hyundai CEO to run self-driving car project

Google has hired former Hyundai CEO John Krafcik to run its self-driving car division. 

Google has been working to develop a prototype for a driverless car that will be fully autonomous and be built without traditional auto features including steering wheels, brakes or gas pedals. 

Krafcik, who led Hyundai from 2008 to 2013, confirmed on Twitter over the weekend that he has been hired to run the Google self-driving car project. 

{mosads}”Yes, true: I’m joining the Google Self-Driving Car project in late September,” he wrote. 

Yes, true: I’m joining the Google Self-Driving Car project in late September.

— John Krafcik (@johnkrafcik) September 14, 2015

“This is a great opportunity to help Google develop the enormous potential of self-driving cars. I can’t wait to get started,” he continued. “Self-driving cars could save 1000s of lives, give people greater mobility & free us from things we find frustrating about driving today.” 

Lawmakers have pondered the regulations that will be necessary for driverless cars as companies such as Google have pushed to develop the technology. 

Members of Congress have expressed a mix of excitement and trepidation at the thought of computer-powered cars being operated on U.S. roads. 

Prior to accepting the Google job, Krafcik served as president of TrueCar Inc., which is a website that provides information about car values for potential buyers and sellers.