After Apple, Samsung secures self-driving car permit in California

After Apple, Nvidia, Uber, Ford, Waymo, GM, and BMW, South-Korean electronics giant, Samsung too has got a permit to test autonomous vehicles on Californian roads, according to the CA Department of Motor Vehicle’s website.

The company confirmed the news adding that they don’t have any plans to actually build a self-driving car. “As a global leader in connectivity, memory, and sensor technology, Samsung Electronics looks forward to participating in California’s Autonomous Vehicle Tester Program and joining in the pursuit of a smarter, safer transportation future,” a Samsung spokesman said in a statement.

“While we have no plans to enter the car-manufacturing business, we are excited to help develop and deliver the next generation of automotive innovation.”

Samsung already has a permit from South Korean authorities to test a self-driving car fitted with its own sensors and software systems. Last year, it bought a car tech company called Harman for $8 billion. It also revealed modified Hyundai cars, equipped with test hardware built by Samsung including sensors and AI-powered computer modules. The South-Korean company is expected to operate California-based tests from its San Jose office.

The South Korean company has already revealed modified Hyundai cars, equipped with test hardware built by Samsung including sensors and AI-powered computer modules. Samsung looks like it aims to provide software and platform for autonomy in a supply capacity at the very least, but its ambitions could extend further than that, too.