This could also be part of Google looking for revenue sources beyond advertising. As other commenter have pointed out, if Google can make this work and smooth out the very non-trivial legislative and liability issues, there's an absolute fortune to be made licensing this technology to car companies. Think about it. If the technology works, and it's legal in your state, do you know anyone who wouldn't want a self-driving car?! It would revolutionize commuting. You could nap, read, watch TV on your phone or tablet, etc. instead of staring in boredom at the bumper ahead of you.