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