Uber is in talks to offload Uber Advanced Technologies Group, the division of its business working on autonomous vehicle technology.

Techcrunch reports that ATG, which a year ago was valued at $7.25 billion (£5.5 billion), could be bought by Aurora Innovation, which it says entered purchase talks last month.

The report points out that Uber has already rid itself of its micromobility unit Jump and sold a stake in its unprofitable logistics arm Uber Freight this year.

Techcrunch says that, if successful, the acquisition has the potential to triple Aurora’s headcount and allow Uber to “unload an expensive long-term play that has sustained several controversies in its short life”.

Aurora’s founders include Chris Urmson, the man who launched Google’s driverless car division.