Volvo Cars is partnering with a Silicon Valley lidar startup in order to introduce self-driving capabilities to a new line of cars within two years.

Silicon Valley Business Journal reports Luminar’s new style sensors will be integrated into the roof design of Volvo’s next generation of vehicles equipped with what it is calling its SPA 2 modular architecture.

It adds that Luminar offers its hardware, software and systems on a subscription basis to the major auto industry customers who use its technology as they develop and test autonomous vehicles.

Volvo is pushing ahead with its autonomous driving plans despite financial pressure from Coronavirus-caused economic shutdowns. The Chinese-owned company cut 1,300 salaried jobs last month.

(Picture – Volvo Luminar promotional video)