The tech darling has started hiring automotive experts to work on a secret project, according to a report on Financial Times.
FT quoted people familiar with the company indicating Apple is recruiting experts in automotive technology and vehicle design to a new secret research lab.
Heading the automotive research lab is Steve Zadesky, a 16-year Apple veteran whose teams developed the original iPod and iPhone, the report said.
Also, it said the researchers include "dozens" of Apple employees led by experienced managers from its iPhone unit.
It also said that while a team of Apple designers led by Jonathan Ive had been meeting with automotive executives and engineers recently, recent recruits to Apple’s team include the head of Mercedes-Benz’s Silicon Valley research and development unit.
A separate report on The Wall Street Journal, as quoted by tech site Mashable, said the research team is working on a project codenamed "Titan."
Mashable added the WSJ cited anonymous sources who said the initial design "resembles a minivan."
Years away?
But the FT report suggested the prospective Apple car might still be years away from actual production, as the lab was set up only in late 2014.
"Apple often investigates a wide range of new product areas, some of which never get released," it added.
But such a car project could also suggest a rivalry with Google, which is developing a self-driving vehicle. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com
