Hyundai Motor said it was expanding its collaboration with US self-driving technology developer Aurora Innovation to accelerate co-development of autonomous vehicle technology.
The two companies have collaborated since 2018 to develop autonomous driving technologies using Hyundai's Nexo hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.
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Hyundai's increased investment would allow for research to be expanded to a wider range of models and for the development of an optimal platform for future Hyundai and Kia autonomous vehicles.
Group president and chief innovation officer Youngcho Chi said: "Aurora is the leading innovator of self driving technologies and we look forward to building a stronger collaborative partnership with them. Working closely with industry leaders around the world will help us develop fully self driving vehicles that are safe and innovative for our customers.
The automaker noted Aurora had quickly secured its place as an industry leader in the development of self-driving technology.
"The Aurora Driver self-driving system, comprising lidar, radar, cameras and a computer that runs the software modules, enables cars to make sense of the world and plan a safe path through it. With the integration of the Aurora Driver, vehicles will have an enhanced ability to monitor, react and adapt to different surroundings."
HMG future mobility plans include commercialisation of Level 4 autonomous vehicles by 2021 with the pilot launch of a fleet of autonomous robo taxis in smart cities.
The company suggested that, by overcoming current limitations on automobiles and drivers, it would "enrich" the lives of its customers by delivering true 'Freedom in Mobility'.
Aurora co-founder and chief product officer Sterling Anderson said: "We are pleased with the progress made with the Hyundai and Kia teams. Together with all of our ecosystem partners we are seeing the convergence of a powerful platform that will deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly."
Earlier this month, Aurora signed a memorandum of understanding with FCA to co-develop self-driving technology for commercial vehicles.
