Apple Inc. has hired two former Mercedes-Benz engineers signaling a growing investment in the development of the rumored Apple Car.
The engineers — who have joined the tech company’s Special Projects Group — have experience in software design, mass vehicle production, and steering control development. One of the engineers’ resumes includes prior work experience at Porsche. Both join other former automaker executives who have already been working on the secretive effort.
The Apple Car — rumored to be codenamed “Project Titan” within the company — is still several years away from hitting the roads.
Apple has also begun negotiating deals with suppliers who it may rely on to develop car parts, MacRumors reported. Foxconn, the iPhone’s major component supplier, is reportedly in talks with the Cupertino-based company.
“Apple could lead the convergence of the automotive and information technology industries in future mobility,” Japanese chemist Akira Yoshino, the inventor of the modern lithium-ion battery, told Reuters last month. “I think they may announce something soon.”
Friday, AZ Big Media reported a former Chrysler vehicle testing site outside Phoenix, Arizona, had been purchased for $125 million. Many believe this is where Apple will test the cars it develops.
An Apple Car prototype is said to be at least three to five years away from production.
Related
Related
