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Apple working with Hertz to test self-driving technology: Bloomberg

The Apple Inc. store is seen on the day of the new iPhone 7 smartphone launch in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 16, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

(Reuters) - Apple Inc is leasing a small fleet of cars from rental company Hertz Global Holdings Inc to test self-driving technology, Bloomberg reported on Monday. Hertz shares were up 13.5 percent at $10.82, while shares of Apple were slightly down. Apple is renting Lexus RX450h sport-utility vehicles from Hertz's Donlen fleet-management unit, according to the Bloomberg report, citing documents released recently by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. (https://bloom.bg/2tdqm8n) The iPhone maker is concentrating on technology for self-driving cars, Chief Executive Tim Cook said earlier this month in an interview with Bloomberg. Hertz declined to comment, while Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Alphabet Inc's self-driving car unit Waymo announced a similar partnership with Avis Budget Group Inc, earlier on Monday, to offer fleet support and maintenance services for its fleet of autonomous vehicles. (Reporting by Rishika Sadam in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)