Daimler is to make self-driving Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the Uber ride-sharing network under a new agreement.

Uber is to expand its portfolio into self-driving technology.

The deal follows a recent partnership between Uber and Volvo that saw a fleet of XC90s retrofitted with Uber’s autonomous technology and purchased by Uber.

Specific vehicles and timelines were not announced but the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has also become the world’s first series-production vehicle to be awarded a test licence for autonomous driving in the US state of Nevada.

Travis Kalanick, CEO and co-founder of Uber, said: “Self-driving technology holds the promise of creating cities that are safer, cleaner and more accessible. But we can’t get to that future alone. That’s why we’re opening up the Uber platform to auto manufacturers like Daimler. By combining Daimler’s and Uber’s technological strengths, more people can get access to reliable transportation at the push of a button.”