Hyundai, VW ink deals with all-star autonomous car firm Aurora Innovation
by The Associated Press
Led by former executives from Google, Tesla and Uber, the self-driving vehicle startup was founded last year
DETROIT—Hyundai and Volkswagen each say they’re partnering with a U.S. autonomous vehicle tech firm led by former executives from Google, Tesla and Uber.
The companies Jan. 4 announced partnerships with Aurora Innovation, started last year by ex-Google autonomous car chief Chris Urmson and others.
VW says its collaboration will help bring self-driving cars quickly to roads worldwide, while autonomous Hyundais are expected to be in the market by 2021.
The partnerships are the latest in a string of tie-ups between traditional auto companies and tech firms as they race to be first with self-driving vehicles.
Aurora is based in Pittsburgh and Palo Alto, California. It was started last year by Urmson, former Tesla executive Sterling Anderson, and ex-Uber autonomous vehicle leader Drew Bagnell.
Terms of each partnership were not released.
