The Detroit automaker says it purchased Cruise Automation in an effort to speed up development of self-driving vehicles. The 40-person firm was founded just three years ago. The purchase price wasn't disclosed.
The acquisition, coupled with GM's in-house research, should help the company in its race with Google and others to have autonomous cars start transporting people on public roadways.
GM wouldn't give a timetable for putting the technology on roads. President Dan Ammann says it will happen as soon as the company can demonstrate that the cars are ready.