Cruise says it is currently testing driverless cars on open roads in Arizona, California and Michigan, "navigating some of the most challenging and unpredictable driving environments." (Photo: AFP)

CHICAGO, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- General Motors (GM) said on Wednesday it will join forces with Honda to develop a mass-produced self-driving car.

"This is the logical next step in General Motors and Honda's relationship, given our joint work on electric vehicles, and our close integration with Cruise," GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra said in a statement.

Honda will contribute approximately 2 billion Us dollars over 12 years to the joint project, together with a 750 million dollars equity investment in Cruise, GM's self-driving vehicle unit.

GM has already been building test versions of its Cruise AV, a driverless car based on the Chevrolet Bolt EV, but without a steering wheel or pedals.

"We will complement their strengths through our expertise in space efficiency and design to develop the most desirable and effective shared autonomous vehicle," said Honda's Executive Vice President Seiji Kuraishi.