TomTom (TOM2), a global company which manufactures navigational devices, has acquired Autonomos, a Berlin-based autonomous driving start-up.

Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed by both the companies.

The company anticipates that this acquisition would strengthen its position in autonomous driving segment.

TomTom CEO and co-founder Harold Goddijn said: "This is an important development for TomTom as it will help us to continue to strengthen our capabilities for the future of driving and expand our knowledge and expertise.

"With this deal we are further positioning ourselves as one of the leaders in autonomous driving".

Established in 2012, Autonomos has offered consultancy services for automated vehicle assistance systems, as well as it has developed expertise in the process, including a full demonstration-level autonomous driving software stack, 3D sensor technology, and digital image processing.

Autonomos CEO and co-founder Tinosch Ganjineh said: "We are proud to have been selected by the world leader in map making for bringing autonomous driving together to the next level.

"TomTom's technology combined with our intelligent driving know-how are a perfect match to make the dream of self-driving cars become a reality".

"With the acquisition, Autonomous and TomTom teams will advance TomTom's map-based products for autonomous driving applications."

The founders of the Berlin-based startup had worked for several years in successful autonomous driving research projects at the Free University of Berlin.

With the acquisition, Autonomous and TomTom teams will advance TomTom's map-based products for autonomous driving applications.

Having an in-house autonomous driving stack will enable TomTom to better serve customers with its products, including its HD map, RoadDNA localisation technology, as well as its navigation, traffic and other cloud services.

Image: TomTom acquired Berlin-based autonomous driving start-up. Photo: courtesy of TomTom.