VW taps Microsoft cloud for self driving cars

Volkswagen is tapping into Microsoft's cloud computing expertise to help develop self-driving cars.

The German giant owns numerous brands, including Audi and Porsche.

But its various units had all been making their own efforts on self-driving tech.

Last year VW consolidated some of those programs into one subsidiary.

But the many brands were still using assorted different systems to develop software.

Now they will all be hooked up to Microsoft's cloud.

That will also help VW tackle one of Tesla's big perceived advantages - the ability to do regular updates.

Software developed in the cloud will now be beamed straight into cars, allowing them to develop new functions over time.

That means vehicles can hit the road with only limited self-driving ability, but then grow more autonomous as the years pass.