Apple Gets Permit to Test Self-Driving Cars in California -
By VINDU GOELAPRIL 14, 2017
SAN FRANCISCO — Apple plans to start testing self-driving cars on California roads, the clearest signal yet
that the world’s most valuable technology company wants to design or build autonomous vehicle technology.
On Friday, the California Department of Motor Vehicles granted Apple an official test permit
that the agency said would allow the company to test autonomous driving technology in three 2015 Lexus RX 450h luxury hybrid sport utility vehicles.
The company is investing heavily in the study of machine learning
and automation, and is excited about the potential of automated systems in many areas, including transportation.”
The self-driving car segment is among the most bitterly contested areas in emerging technology,
with Apple joining 29 other companies that have received test permits in California.
Apple declined to comment on the California permit or on its broader automotive plans, instead referring to a statement in December,
when it submitted comments about autonomous vehicle technology to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.