Japanese auto parts supplier Denso Corp. said Oct. 12 that it has acquired a 2% equity stake in Tokyo-based software developer eSOL Co.Ltd. for an undisclosed amount.

The tech company is a partner of the Autosar consortium, which lists carmakers Volkswagen AG, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Toyota Motor Corp., Daimler AG, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., Peugeot SA's parent Groupe PSA and auto parts suppliers Continental AG and Bosch as members.

Denso said it will use eSOL's technologies to develop automated driving-related software, as well as to update, rewrite and add software to coordinate with new electronic systems and electronic control units required for automated driving.

The company added that it will work with eSOL to create electronic platforms through a technology adviser arrangement and personnel exchange.

The move comes two years after Denso teamed up with eSOL and NEC Corp.'s NEC Communication Systems Ltd. to form AUBASS Co. Ltd., a joint venture that allows automakers to use complex in-vehicle software.

In September, Denso agreed to purchase a stake in factory automation company Tohoku Pioneer EG Corp. shortly after leading a $65 million funding round in artificial intelligence hardware startup ThinCI Inc.