Earlier this month, Ford announced it's tripling the size of its self-driving cars' testing plans.

Well, on Thursday, General Motors followed suit, announcing the creation of a specially-dedicated team to speed up the development of autonomous and electric vehicles, as reported by Reuters.

This announcement includes GM's vice president for global product, Doug Parks, taking over his new post of VP for autonomous technology and vehicles on Feb. 1.

Under his new role, Reuters is reporting that Parks will guide efforts to develop everything from software to battery and electrical systems for such vehicles.

The news agency is additionally reporting that GM has named Sheri Hickok — who's currently the chief engineer for the automaker's next generation of pickup trucks — the executive chief engineer for "autonomous joint ventures and fleet execution."

Strategizing to ramp up the development of its autonomous and electric vehicles follows GM already pushing the button on tech advances early on this year, including mobility and connectivity.

GM began the New Year announcing a $500 million investment in Lyft.

During the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2016 in Las Vegas, GM also revealed the all-new electric 2017 Chevrolet Bolt, touting a 200-mile range and ability to charge to 80 percent in one hour flat, all for about $30,000.