Why Luminar's Mercedes-Benz Deal Is So Significant

Why Luminar's Mercedes-Benz Deal Is So Significant

News that lidar start-up Luminar (NASDAQ: LAZR) has secured a deal with -- and an investment from -- German luxury-car stalwart Mercedes-Benz sent Luminar's stock soaring on Thursday: As of 2:30 p.m. ET, it was up about 17.1% from Wednesday's close. Luminar's intense focus on making automotive-grade units that can be mass-produced at relatively low cost has helped it stand out amid a crowded field of lidar start-ups. Luminar last year announced deals with other automakers, including Volvo and China's SAIC.