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General Motors (GM) has announced its $1bn acquisition of automated driving technology start-up Cruise Automation.

With the purchase, the American motor company intends to implement Cruise’s software talent and development capability to boost its autonomous vehicle (AV) programme.

GM expects to close the deal with the three-year old company in the second quarter of this year.

GM president Dan Ammann said: "Fully autonomous vehicles can bring our customers enormous benefits in terms of greater convenience, lower cost and improved safety for their daily mobility needs."

Cruise Automation has developed the latest AV kit, which is an after-market product enabling users to convert certain cars such as Audi A4 and S4 models with self-driving technology.

Based in San Francisco, Cruise is one of the few companies that have received permission from the state of California to test the self-driving cars, reported Traffic Technology Today.

GM global product development, purchasing and supply chain executive vice-president Mark Reuss said: "Cruise provides our company with a unique technology advantage that is unmatched in our industry.

"Cruise provides our company with a unique technology advantage that is unmatched in our industry."

"We intend to invest significantly to further grow the talent base and capabilities already established by the Cruise team."

According to the motor company, Cruise will operate independently within GM’s recently formed autonomous vehicle development team, which is led by GM autonomous technology and vehicle execution vice-president Doug Parks.

Cruise Automation will remain based in San Francisco.

Cruise Automation founder Kyle Vogt said: "GM’s commitment to autonomous vehicles is inspiring, deliberate and completely in line with our vision to make transportation safer and more accessible."

Image: GM acquires Cruise Automation to boost its AV technology. Photo: courtesy of General Motors.