Waymo has purchased Apple’s self-driving car proving ground for $220 million, according to techcrunch.com. The acquisition, finalized this week, gives Waymo control over a key testing facility previously used by Apple to develop autonomous vehicle technology.
The deal was completed after months of negotiations, with Waymo aiming to expand its testing capabilities amid increasing competition in the autonomous vehicle sector. The proving ground, located in California, features advanced infrastructure designed for rigorous self-driving car trials. Waymo’s CEO highlighted the strategic value of the site in accelerating their development timeline.
This acquisition marks a significant move in the autonomous vehicle market, where companies are racing to refine their technology and bring driverless cars to market. Apple’s exit from the proving ground signals a shift in its autonomous vehicle strategy, while Waymo strengthens its position against rivals like Tesla and Cruise. The $220 million price tag reflects the high value placed on specialized testing environments in this competitive space.
Waymo now operates one of the most comprehensive self-driving car testing facilities in the U.S., positioning it to advance its autonomous vehicle programs. The company plans to integrate the proving ground into its broader development efforts, with expanded testing expected to begin in the coming months.