Apple Car's Rumored 2020 Launch Target May Have Slipped to 2021

[rGiskard]

Actually, the first to that mark is very likely to be Chevrolet. The Bolt is supposed to hit the market in early 2017, possibly as much as a year before the Model 3. Oh, and the Bolt features CarPlay support.

I'll probably buy one since a lot of my relatives work for GM. It's unfortunate GM used their econobox platform, but the car has a nice interior and very practical configuration for hauling cargo. Still, I wish someone at GM could understand that cars need to look sexy, to inspire passion and lust, at least in that price range. Sometimes they nail a car design but then before the styling language spreads to other models it's like they take the good stylists out back and shoot them.

 

[EricTheHalfBee]

Actually, the first to that mark is very likely to be Chevrolet. The Bolt is supposed to hit the market in early 2017, possibly as much as a year before the Model 3. Oh, and the Bolt features CarPlay support.

The Bolt could be out by the end of 2016. An earlier leaked GM document showed October 2016 as start of production (the document was later pulled).

The key point about the Bolt is that it was announced long AFTER Tesla announced the Model 3, yet will be available much SOONER than the Model 3. Which shows just how rapidly a company like GM can ramp up production of a new vehicle type.

 

[IJ Reilly]

I'll probably buy one since a lot of my relatives work for GM. It's unfortunate GM used their econobox platform, but the car has a nice interior and very practical configuration for hauling cargo. Still, I wish someone at GM could understand that cars need to look sexy, to inspire passion and lust, at least in that price range. Sometimes they nail a car design but then before the styling language spreads to other models it's like they take the good stylists out back and shoot them.

Yeah, for sure it isn't sexy, but if you look at the photos of it without the goofy decals or in burnt orange (eeesh), it's certainly not offensive. It also isn't just plain weird, as in the BMW i3, or as dull as a Honda or a Toyota. I'd own one if it is fun to drive and reasonably comfortable inside. And I definitely prefer a hatchback over any other configuration. GM deserves a lot of credit for getting this car off the drawing boards so quickly. As for when it will become available, I made the assumption that a start of production in the last quarter of 2016 means it will show up in dealerships in quantity a few months later. A year ahead of Tesla, even if they don't delay further. Best case scenario, a lot of their eager buyers probably won't get their hands on a car until 2019 at the soonest, and the federal tax credits will have expired by then.
[doublepost=1469135663][/doublepost]

The Bolt could be out by the end of 2016. An earlier leaked GM document showed October 2016 as start of production (the document was later pulled).

The key point about the Bolt is that it was announced long AFTER Tesla announced the Model 3, yet will be available much SOONER than the Model 3. Which shows just how rapidly a company like GM can ramp up production of a new vehicle type.

Yes, I agree. It's fashionable to make fun of GM (and idolize Tesla) but they are a much better company in their reincarnated form. I believe the initial run of Bolts will be headed to California. That's where I live and I even have a Chevy dealership in town so I hope to have a closer look at this car soon.

 

[Hardscan451]

Given up on the apple telly have we?

 

[doelcm82]

That's the point. It seemed like a sure thing that the Apple Television would be a reality, but it was ultimately cancelled. I think the car will have the same fate.

When you compare it to something that Apple didn't release, I can see how you would come to that conclusion. Going by the Television, Apple never, ever releases anything, and went out of business years ago.

On the other hand...

The Apple Phone also seemed like a sure thing, but was ultimately NOT canceled.

Now that we have two data points we can say with certainty that the odds are 50/50.

Add the rumored Apple Watch and the rumored iPad, and the Apple Car has a 75% chance of being released.

 

[Cartoonkid]

This is where the Tesla Model 3 breaks that cycle. They are approaching a half million units of pre-orders. That puts them in the high volume line matching the major automotive manufacturers. Thus, Tesla becomes big oil's worst nightmare. That is a daily driver electric car that middle America can afford while it noticeably compromises big oil's volume. Apple sees this trend and wants to be a part of it.

I was actually referring to currently-available models, but yes, the Model 3 definitely makes Tesla ownership a reality for MANY more people.

I had the pleasure of test-driving a Model X a couple of weeks ago, and I'm excited to see what features the 3 borrows from the X and S.

 

[gri]

Yes and guess how many people will want to buy an Apple car after they already bought a Tesla (or any other electric car coming out by 2020)? Making this deadline is pretty important since it marks (a predicted) turning point for e-vehicles

Given the disaster with Apple maps (and its still horrible and most of the time wrong) and considering how often Siri recognizes my requests correctly (1 out of 5 I'd say on a good day) I don't really think I want to drive in an iCar or however the thing will be called...

In related news / rumors - the iCycle will be released in 2032 and the iFly service will commence in 2051...
[doublepost=1469136456][/doublepost]And if you crash you just held it wrong...

 

[doelcm82]

That's the projected cost, but it's for the stripped down model. Different drivetrain/battery options and cool stuff like that glass roof will likely push it up to $60K. And it remains to be seen how "stripped down" the Model 3 is - if it's still well-outfitted then that $35K will be more "real". From Musk's comments about the final interior design (which hasn't yet been introduced) it sounds like it will be.

I remember a report somewhere that Tesla plan to roll out the more expensive Model 3 versions first, which makes good sense. Keep volume relatively low at first to work out production bugs and then as production scales they can offer the lower margin versions. Far better to go slow than to be hit with reliability problems on a 100,000+ fleet of Model 3s.

I put down my deposit, and I'm not expecting to get the base model, but neither am I expecting to get the top of the line. I don't really want "Ludicrous Mode", and that is an expensive option. Having seen "Launch Mode" in action (in my friend's Model X), I don't think that makes much sense either. I haven't really thought about the glass roof, but that's not all that important to me. I'll pay for a little extra range, and some improved tech inside (don't think I need the biohazard defense package, though having seen Shanghai and Beijing, I can see how it will be popular in large, polluted cities).

Anyway, the top price is not scary to me, because it will include some very expensive add-ons. In fact, it's comforting to think that the tricked out version of the Model 3 is about the price of the bare-bones Model S.

 

[Cartoonkid]

Yeah, for sure it isn't sexy, but if you look at the photos of it without the goofy decals or in burnt orange (eeesh), it's certainly not offensive. It also isn't just plain weird, as in the BMW i3, or as dull as a Honda or a Toyota. I'd own one if it is fun to drive and reasonably comfortable inside. And I definitely prefer a hatchback over any other configuration. GM deserves a lot of credit for getting this car off the drawing boards so quickly. As for when it will become available, I made the assumption that a start of production in the last quarter of 2016 means it will show up in dealerships in quantity a few months later. A year ahead of Tesla, even if they don't delay further. Best case scenario, a lot of their eager buyers probably won't get their hands on a car until 2019 at the soonest, and the federal tax credits will have expired by then.
[doublepost=1469135663][/doublepost]

Yes, I agree. It's fashionable to make fun of GM (and idolize Tesla) but they are a much better company in their reincarnated form. I believe the initial run of Bolts will be headed to California. That's where I live and I even have a Chevy dealership in town so I hope to have a closer look at this car soon.

Agreed, that orange is pretty hard to look at!

Personally, I'm glad that GM is coming out with the Bolt. I'm a happy GM owner and would definitely consider it, if has the bells and whistles I prefer, and it's bigger than the breadbox it looks like.

But assuming Tesla puts as much effort into the 3 as they have their other models, I see it as being hard to beat.

Only time will tell...

 

[Kabeyun]

This is where the Tesla Model 3 breaks that cycle. They are approaching a half million units of pre-orders. That puts them in the high volume line matching the major automotive manufacturers. Thus, Tesla becomes big oil's worst nightmare.

True, if Tesla ever actually delivers those half million cars. Right now they're making about 300 Model Xs a month. Say that's 500 Model 3s because they're simpler. At that rate, it'd take 83 years to deliver those cars. I'm sure they'll do better than that, but good lord.

 

[jpn]

to much focus on watchbands.

yes, wristbands not so important (maybe)

but you will be controlling your car through interaction with whats on your wrist.
key/lock system
routing
route changes
time to destination
starting the car's heating/cooling system several minutes before getting into it
calculating the distance and time to the next electric filling station

but then again, i also kind of like wristbands.

 

[Karma*Police]

Steve once said that Apple was a sinking ship and that it was his job to steer it in the right direction, yet I firmly believe that Tim is just making that hole at the bottom much much bigger.

Apple is actually a far larger company under Tim. Steve also said that he wanted to build an automobile so if anything, Tim is probably still pursuing Steve's long-term vision.

 

[petsounds]

Fine with me. I'd rather they take their time and release something groundbreaking instead of releasing another rushed-out product to meet a deadline due to market pressure.

I think Tesla has taken a lot of the wind out of their sails though, and wonder what Apple can bring that's unique to the market. If it's just going to be an electric car running an Apple OS, then I'd question why make it. Musk has a clear vision for Tesla, but does Apple have a clear vision for their car?

 

[can$rules]

of course it has. if you look at my post history, i've said that target date was WAY to premature. Its a car. Honda has been doing it for years and i've got a recall for a airbag with them.

Apple needs to take this super slow. i still think 2025-2030 is more reasonable.

What's the rush? They should target 2520 instead.

 

[macs4nw]

Also 2021 is after Presidert Trump completes his first term as president. How much you wanna bet this is all about Cupertino not wanting the deal with a DOT gutted and rebooted by The Donald?

Well, he is promising less government and red tape..... so are you saying Cupertino is expecting the Donald to take the White House come November 8?

 

[koruki]

Meanwhile Musk is nearly finished ticking off his 10 year plan.. the company def needs a star leader like it had with Jobs and now like Tesla with Musk
[doublepost=1469154848][/doublepost]

If Tesla had anyone willing to buy their cars, they'd find a way to make them, I assure you.

Yeah no ones buying their cars, all they got was nearly half a million paid reservations

 

[predation]

2021. Lol.
Pipe dream Apple. I work in the automotive design/rd/manufacturing industry at one of the top 5 global a companies. It takes us 3-4 years from concept to production; and that's fast. Apple bringing a car into the fold in less than 8 years (giving them 2 years, assuming they started in 2014), is laughable. Yeah yeah, mention tesla. Their model S was garbage when it first came out. Their model x is still noob status. Their fit and finish is so terrible it's incredibly sad people pay over $100k for their car. Yes, it's pretty awesome, but I'd rather spend that money on other exotics. FYI, first run of teslas had Popsicle sticks in them. Yes, Popsicle sticks to fill gaps.

 

[canadianreader]

You can charge it with lightning cable

 

[44267547]

to much focus on watchbands.

Or not enough focus on MacBook Pro's.

 

[sos47]

Cars are so 20th Century. Use public transport

... or an e-bike

 

[CFreymarc]

Well, he is promising less government and red tape..... so are you saying Cupertino is expecting the Donald to take the White House come November 8?

Peter Theil endorsing Trump was the watershed event. He is one of Facebook's early investors. He also has access to the internal Facebook user survey data concerning voting trends. Many say it is some of the most accurate election predictors out there right now.

While the public pools say Hillary and Trump are equal. Supposedly, the reality is Trump will win with anywhere between 70% and 80% of the vote. This is mostly middle America while the west and east coast are ignored. Some say it may be a 50 state sweep. No one can rig a national election to change with that much margin.

Apple and others are getting ready for a "liberal hunting season" administration where the Obamacare, gay marriage, government run student loans, Common Core, Global Warming programs, gun restrictions and social justice programs will be repealed.

Many are paralleling this with the election of Dwight D Eisenhower in the 50's. Ike kicked out nearly a million illegal aliens with Operation Wetback. Truman was attempting open borders post WW2 in an effort to reduce global conflict. That didn't work.

 

[chairguru22]

Rumor site posting about rumored products failing to meet rumored launch date.

New silicone watch band coming soon with NFC built in for wireless key for iCar.

What's really f'ed up is CNBC will pick up this article and talk about it and it'll affect the stock by -3%...

 

[pankajdoharey]

There is simply no way that a new auto maker can compete in terms of manufacturing and infrastructure with other auto makers. Just not going to happen.

Of course, but apple Doesn't need to. It won't be targeting "normal" people initially. Mark my words all rich people are already bought on the idea of Apple's brand quality. If Apple releases a car most of those people will buy the apple car.

Even if Apple follows the same 3 step Marketing plan as Tesla namely:

1. First high price low volume high end car.
2. Second mass market medium volume medium price car and
3. lastly high volume, low cost mass market car.

The Automobile Industry is giant, the total number of new cars every yr on the road is 100 million. Even if the total market growth for EV is say 10 % of the market in the next decade. it can absorb 20 more tesla like EV manufacturers easily even when we consider the overall market does not grow at all.

So the future is very bright. This yr Tesla will attempt making 400000 mass market car for the first time and deliver by 2017. Which is nothing infront of how big the global market is.

 

[CFreymarc]

President Trump would insist on a 6ltr V12 even in city runabouts to keep his Big Oil paymasters happy.
He'd also levy 100% taxes on EV's because there is no such thing as 'Global Warming' isn't there.

Yes and no. Trump is very pro innovation. However it has been shown time and time again that the "research data" fed to Universites has been rigged promote the tax scam that is Global Warming. Let Tesla compete without the sky falling and see how they fare in a no-fear market.

 

[CFreymarc]

Or not enough focus on MacBook Pro's.

I bet we'll see yet another tick-tock release on the new MBPr. Tick, a new industrial design with the OLED secondary screen later this year. Tock, upgraded processor next year with same case design.