"I must admit, this has kind of crept up on me."
Google has been designing, converting and testing autonomous cars - called Google Chauffeur - for several years now, going back to 2009. They have six Toyota Prius's, an Audi TT, and three Lexus RX450h's. In August Google had completed 500,000 miles accident free. I believe the majority of kilometers were completed in California driving in major cities.
They are reportedly also testing a taxi - Robo Taxi.