Apple
In April 2017, Apple joined the ranks of 29 other companies with permits for testing self-driving cars in California. Apple has remained typically mum about their autonomous vehicle activities, but it appears they are focusing exclusively on the technology. The California DMV permit covers three vehicles – all 2015 Lexus RX450H – and six drivers. According to Business Insider, this is the extent of what we know:
Apple declined to comment about whether Apple is currently testing autonomous vehicles on public roads and pointed to a previous statement that it is “investing heavily in machine learning and autonomous systems.”
That said, Business Insider also remarks on a mysterious mostly-separate organization of 1,000 Apple employees called “Project Titan.” Which is, more likely than not, self-driving car-related.
Where does it rank? It does not – that’s how under wraps this is.
When can you ride? Extremely unclear, but Bloomberg expects a progress report on account of some major development concerns by the end of 2017.
Samsung
Meanwhile, in South Korea, Samsung received approval last week to begin testing self-driving cars in the country. Hyundai and Kia previously received approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, but Samsung is the first electronics company to move into the space. In a statement reported by CNN, Samsung announced it “has no plans to enter the car manufacturing business” and so will be testing a Hyundai vehicle while they focus on the technology.
Where does it rank? It does not – but Hyundai is ranked 10.
When can you ride? Don’t hold your breath, testing is only just beginning. If you would like to look to Hyundai instead, Business Insider reports the car company will offer self-driving features by 2020, but won’t commit to full autonomy before 2030.
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