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Tesla Model3

A South Korean automobile parts manufacturer is reportedly working with Tesla Motors to develop a safety system for self-driving cars.

On May 23, multiple sources in the automobile industry said that the Mando Corporation has been involved since the second half of 2015 in a joint development project with the American car company on a system designed to take over if a self-driving car malfunctions.

Called fail safety, this technology would activate a back-up system if an electrical error placed a self-driving car in an emergency situation. This back-up system would allow the car to continue driving itself without the human occupant intervening. This is regarded as one of the most important technologies for the safe operation of self-driving cars.

While Tesla Motors has created a sensation with electric cars, it has also reportedly made considerable progress in developing technology for self-driving cars, an area in which it faces competition not only from car makers but also from IT companies.

At the end of last year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that Tesla’s self-driving technology was nearing completion. “I think that within two years, you’ll be able to summon your car from across the country,” Musk said.

Launched in Silicon Valley, Tesla either outsources its primary parts and technology or partners with other companies to develop them. For this reason, the automobile industry expects that Tesla will be strengthening its global supply chain.

Tesla is broadening its collaboration with South Korean automobile part suppliers. It selected Hankook Tire as one of the companies that will provide tires for the Model 3 electric car, which Tesla is planning to release at the end of next year.　

By Hong Dae-seon, staff reporter

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