[benburleson]

Google's not a phone company either, but they sell phones. Why would you not expect them to sell cars when they're obviously dumping so much money into auto technology?

[timdorr]

Because that auto technology is not meant for users. It's meant for them to get a more accurate and up-to-date street view for Maps. Android is an extremely user-facing technology, and furthers their efforts to control as much of the mobile ecosystem as possible.

Buying Motorola to support their growth in mobile makes sense. Buying a car company to support a side project doesn't make any sense.

[nedwin]

I would suggest that their self driving car technology is not purely intended for Maps, their goal is for it to be used for industry and by consumers.