Hyundai, Kia invest in autonomous startup Aurora

The investment follows Volkswagen's decision to split with Aurora in favor of Ford's Argo AI tech.

Hyundai and Kia have announced an investment in autonomous technology startup Aurora.

The Korean duo have already been collaborating with Aurora since last year. The latest investment is said to be aimed at strengthening the existing partnership.

"Aurora is the leading innovator of self-driving technology and we look forward to building a stronger collaborative partnership with them," said Hyundai Motor Group chief innovation officer Youngcho Chi.

Aurora's Driver platform consists of a full sensor suite along with the computer and software to manage the self-driving system. In prototype form, the technology has been installed in Hyundai's NEXO fuel-cell vehicle.

Hyundai-Kia hope to use Aurora Drive to commercialize a fleet of Level 4 autonomous robotaxis by 2021. Aurora is working with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and has received significant funding from Amazon. The company had also worked with Volkswagen, though the German automaker recently ended the partnership as it pivots towards Ford's Argo AI technology.