Panasonic Corporation is looking to extend its partnership with electric automobile maker Tesla Motors Inc. beyond batteries. With the Japanese conglomerate looking to focus on the automotive business, Tech First Post reported that the partnership could work on self-driving technology as well.

Panasonic is placing importance on automotive applications as part of its growth strategy and is targeting corporate clients at the expense of low-margin consumer goods.

Panasonic is the exclusive battery supplier for Tesla Model S and Model X cars as well as the highly anticipated Model 3. The company is also planning to contribute $1.6 billion to Tesla's $5 billion battery factory.

Panasonic CEO Kazuhiro Tsuga mentioned that the company is interested in Tesla's self-driving system and it is planning to expand its collaboration with Panasonic by jointly developing products.

One of the most expected features of a jointly developed auto product could be the organic photoconductive film CMOS image sensors, which Panasonic is developing. This sensor enables the high-speed sensing of moving objects. This could drastically improve the mapping technologies needed for self-driving or driver-assist vehicles. These sensors could help to map the surroundings to detect potential hazards or traffic flow. Panasonic is also looking to add more sensor technology to automobiles including some for navigation systems and cockpit displays, according to ZDNet.

Panasonic has been going through tough times for the past few years with business pruning and job losses.The Japanese giant is now looking to other opportunities to generate revenue as well as improve its portfolio through acquisitions.

Meanwhile, last month Tesla and Panasonic announced plans to develop photovoltaic modules and cells that will be used in household panels.