Alphabet’s project to develop its own Google self-driving car is being shelved in favour of incorporating its technology into traditional vehicles, according to media sources in San Francisco.

A report in local title The Information claims the team responsible for the project to develop a fully-automated car without a steering wheel or pedals have been moved onto projects to add the company’s sensor features to other manufacturer’s projects.

Google’s connected car project to-date comprised developing and testing a fleet of vehicles, including several Lexus SUVs and prototypes of completely self-driving units (pictured), around the US to assess the viability of self-driving cars.

The company still states on its website: “We’re building prototype vehicles that are designed to take you where you want to go at the push of a button – no driving required.

“There are test drivers aboard all vehicles for now. We look forward to learning how the community perceives and interacts with us, and uncovering situations that are unique to a fully self-driving vehicle.”

Speculation on the fate of Alphabet’s self-driving car project follow reports in August the company is also scaling down its fibre ambitions, halving the workforce at its Access and Energy department and refocusing the remaining staff on lower-cost wireless deployments.