Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) has created a dedicated autonomous technology group as it moves to pursue growth opportunities in self-driving car technology. Doug Davis is to head the new division dubbed Automated Driving Group that has been spun from the Internet of Things business. Kathy Winter who joins the tech giant from Delphi will act as VP and General Manager, reporting directly to Davis.

Self-Driving Cars Technology Push

The formation of the new unit comes on the heels of a string of partnership with Mobileye and Delphi as the chip giant moves to bet big on self-driving. Intel has also inked a partnership deal with BMW for the production of self-driving technology through the creation of a platform that other ride-sharing companies can also use.

The company has already confirmed a $250 million investment in autonomous cars as it looks to develop chips that will be used to power the technology. The acquisition of Yogitech in April means the company can now develop chips that come with safety functions essential to self-driving cars. Arynga is another acquisition that gives the company a head start in the development of software that automakers can use to facilitate over-the-air updates as Tesla does.

The world’s largest semiconductor has already confirmed that Delphi/Mobileye platform, which will make its debut next year at CES, will come with its Intel Core i7 processors. There are plans to shift the platform to a more powerful processor that the chipmaker is currently working on.

Growth Opportunity

“Automated driving is a long-term growth opportunity for Intel. We believe there is an incredible opportunity to reinvent the driving experience and it will take a global ecosystem for this vision to come to fruition. The new ADG organization will provide the necessary focus and support for our long-term investments needed for our strategic automated driving endeavors.,” Intel said in a statement.

Intel is racing against time to catch up and surpass other chipmakers that have already made developments in the autonomous car space.  Lagging behind is not an option given that the company wants to avoid a scenario in which it will have to pay a heavy price as was the case in entering the smartphone business late.

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) was down by $0.20 in Tuesday trading session closing the day at lows of $35.31 a share.