Nvidia increases headcount in China to boost AI-driven car technology – report

Chip maker Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) has significantly increased its headcount in China this year, with a focus on enhancing its research capabilities for autonomous technology in self-driven cars, Bloomberg reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

The company is expected to close 2024 with ~4,000 employees in China, up from about 3,000 at the start of the year. This expansion includes an addition of around 200 new staff members in Beijing specifically dedicated to developing self-driving technologies, the report explained.

The California-based chipmaker also expanded its networking software development and after-sales service teams in the country.

The move comes amidst a push for autonomous driving technology in China, with companies like Baidu (BIDU) testing robotaxi services.

Despite ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions, Nvidia (NVDA) reported $5.4 billion in the September quarter. The country remains a crucial market and a research hub for the U.S. tech giant, which has been actively working on autonomous driving and AI software.

The company’s operations remain under scrutiny from Chinese regulators relating to its previous acquisition of Mellanox, which could potentially lead to fines or other measures.