Apple has been testing its self-driving cars in California, and now it has been revealed that Hertz has supplied some of the vehicles to Apple.
Hertz has apparently supplied Apple with Lexus RX450h vehicles, which Apple is using to test out their self-driving car software in California.
Bloomberg discovered the deal between Apple and Hertz when the DMV released some details about Apple’s self-driving cars in California. Both Apple and Hertz have declined to comment about the deal between the two companies.
Apple’s Journey in Self-Driving Technology
Apple originally started its self-driving car project by trying to build the hardware. This ambitious project, often referred to as “Project Titan,” aimed to create a fully autonomous vehicle from the ground up. However, the company faced numerous challenges, including technical difficulties and high costs. As a result, Apple switched to a software-only approach using existing vehicles. This pivot allowed Apple to focus on developing advanced autonomous driving software without the added complexity of manufacturing a car.
The Lexus RX450h vehicles supplied by Hertz are equipped with Apple’s self-driving technology, including an array of sensors, cameras, and LiDAR systems. These vehicles are being tested on public roads in California, where they navigate various driving conditions and scenarios to improve the software’s performance and safety.
The Future of Apple’s Self-Driving Cars
The company has yet to officially provide any details about its plans for self-driving cars. However, industry experts speculate that Apple could eventually partner with an established automaker to integrate its autonomous driving software into their vehicles. This approach would allow Apple to leverage its expertise in software development while avoiding the complexities of car manufacturing.
Apple’s self-driving car project is part of a broader trend in the automotive industry, where technology companies are increasingly collaborating with traditional automakers to develop autonomous vehicles. For example, Google’s Waymo has partnered with Fiat Chrysler and Jaguar Land Rover, while Uber has collaborated with Volvo.
The potential benefits of self-driving cars are significant. They could reduce traffic accidents, improve fuel efficiency, and provide greater mobility for people who are unable to drive, such as the elderly and disabled. However, there are also challenges to overcome, including regulatory hurdles, public acceptance, and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against hacking.
As soon as we get more details about Apple’s self-driving car project, we will let you guys know. In the meantime, it’s clear that Apple is committed to advancing autonomous driving technology and exploring new opportunities in the automotive industry.
Source Bloomberg
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