Italian manufacturer Magneti Marelli has acquired a significant stake in LeddarTech, a global developer of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensing technology. 

The companies have also agreed to jointly develop complete LiDAR systems for autonomous driving applications for integration in automotive lighting products for original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) worldwide.

Magneti Marelli CEO Pietro Gorlier said: "Our know-how in high-end lighting technologies paves the way to new applications aimed at autonomous driving systems, which will be crucial in the future of automotive. 

"The investment in LeddarTech, with its proven and proprietary competence in solid-state LiDAR sensors, provides Magneti Marelli with the opportunity to partner with a technology leader with key expertise in this strategically important sector."

"Our know-how in high-end lighting technologies paves the way to new applications aimed at autonomous driving systems, which will be crucial in the future of automotive."

LiDAR is a sensor technology based on laser light that is combined with cameras and radar to enable various autonomous driving levels ranging from partial to full automation. 

Autonomous driving uses a range of sensors to provide information, which enables the car to understand and navigate the environment. 

LiDAR technology is suitable for autonomous cars because of its advanced features, including precise object localisation and multiple objects detection even if they are moving, or in difficult lighting and weather conditions. 

For its LiDAR systems, LeddarTech uses its signal acquisition and processing techniques that are used to generate cleaner return signals with better range and sensitivity.