Apple hints at self-driving car development in letter to regulators

Clues that Apple [NSDQ:AAPL] might be developing self-driving car technology has emerged in a letter sent by the tech giant to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The letter, obtained by The Wall Street Journal, was sent by Apple's head of product integrity Steve Kenner and included feedback on proposed guidelines for self-driving cars. Specifically, there was a paragraph stating that Apple "is investing heavily in the study of machine learning and automation and is excited about the potential of automated systems in many areas, including transportation." There have been rumors of Apple developing self-driving car technology for years and until recently it was thought that Apple would use the technology for its own car. The thinking changed in October when reports emerged claiming Apple had abandoned plans to launch its own car and would instead focus on self-driving technology.