The office expansion began in 2021 following the company's announcements of its advanced driver-assistance system lidar series production award with GM.

Valeo is developing a third generation of its lidar for debut in 2024 that promises a twelvefold increase in resolution, a tripling of range and a much wider viewing angle.

Nissan's move is part of a push to equip nearly every new model with lidar safety technology by the end of the decade. It lets vehicles conduct high-speed emergency maneuvers on the highway without a hand on the wheel or foot on the brake.

Companies are drawing the attention of customers and investors as they race to make their systems better and cheaper.