Apple Continues Hiring Automotive Experts, Possibly for Rumored 'Titan' Car Project

[itguy06]

Yeah cos this one guy is responsible for all the cars that were made at Chrysler, even though he didn't even work in design, manufacturing or anything else remotely related to the product itself. But then you can prove anything with facts, I find they tend to cloud my judgement, I prefer to rely on instinct and blind prejudice.

But he was responsible for QUALITY which Chrysler has never had. They have been bailed out by the US Government TWICE! You don't get that by building quality vehicles.

Don't Believe me:
http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2015-vehicle-dependability-study

Note where Chrysler vehicles scored. They aren't called Chrapsler because they are great.

 

[Ron Johnson]

This make it seem like you will see an Apple car as you see Toyota, Honda etc.

It is more likely that apple will be hiring these people to develop parts for cars in conjunction with other companies. This can include but not limited to: carplay, integration of electronic devices in cars, solar operations, and/or battery technology. Another possibility is the self driving car and what will operate and drive that? A Computer! Not something that I see anytime soon as the car would likely obey speed limits causing governments to step in for police officers.

How do you develop something like these things? No you do not look at people who create electronic devices such as ipods, macs and iphones. You get input and support from people more familiar with the car business and collaborate.

Another way to look at it is how apple has a hardware team, software team and now possibly a car team amongst other numerous teams.

 

[keysofanxiety]

1. Apple releases self-driving cars.
2. Cars become self aware.
3. Cars realize humans are destructive and decide to make a preemptive strike.
4. Cars use Maps for navigation and drive themselves into buildings, off bridges, and to random locations.
5. Humanity remains safe.

This had me absolutely buckled.

 

[jeffe]

I think they are going into just one segment of the car industry: the self driving car. They see what Google is doing and don't want to let them get too far ahead.

I feel like Google and others already has a huge head start on this. Maybe Apple is exploring an alternative type of vehicle.

 

[WordsmithMR]

More money thrown at a project that will likely not take off... AKA Apple TV... No, not the streaming device.

 

[Rigby]

You forgot to mention Tesla. They are a newcomer to this market in comparison to the other carmakers. No economy cars, no dealers, wildly successful.

Yeah, well, except they haven't made a single full-year profit yet. And they are still heavily dependent on direct and indirect subsidies (e.g. about one quarter of their income comes from selling ZEV credits to other manufacturers, which is forced by government regulations). The Model S is a very cool car for rich folks, but I think Tesla still has a huge challenge ahead if they want to make a car that is profitable and can scale to the mass-market. The long delays of the Model X and Model 3 indicate that they have trouble executing their plans.

Very curious to see what Apple has up its sleeves though ...

 

[Rogifan]

And where is Marc Newson right about now I wonder? He proved he can work with the Apple team with his work on the watch. He, like Ive, is known to be a car guy and has actually designed cars. The two of them apparently are in sync on cars and best buds.

Curiouser.

Newson said he spends 60% of his time working at Apple. I doubt Apple hired him just for the Watch.

 

[Rogifan]

But he was responsible for QUALITY which Chrysler has never had. They have been bailed out by the US Government TWICE! You don't get that by building quality vehicles.

Don't Believe me:
http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2015-vehicle-dependability-study

Note where Chrysler vehicles scored. They aren't called Chrapsler because they are great.

Ahem...
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/07/20/fiat-chrysler-2015-total-quality-award/#slide-3040177

 

[dblackwood72]

Wonder if the car will require an iPhone to operate?

 

[ActionableMango]

Like TV, they better off creating the tech to use in partnership of car manufacturers than creating a car itself.

In principle I agree with you, but on the other hand I don't know how to explain some of the people they've hired or have positions open for. For example, if I remember correctly, body panel and suspension experts.

 

[oldmacs]

Ugh really. Apple is starting to focus on way too many things. Wish they'd just focus on their core things and do them well instead of half jobs on things.

 

[WardC]

Come on, just admit it, Apple's developing a flying car and y'all know it!

 

[iChrist]

They haven't "cracked" TV yet but people really think they are going to mass produce cars?

Well, as long as they keep Eddie Cue away from the project, they might be successful.

 

[mcdj]

So how do you plug your car into iTunes when it spontaneously goes into DFU* Mode?

*DRIVER F*D UNFORTUNATELY

 

[Amplelink]

Apple will team up with Tesla. The Apple car will use the Tesla Supercharger network, and Apple will expand it for Tesla in trade for using what's already been built out.

Apple doesn't have to "team up" with Tesla to use the Tesla Supercharger network. Tesla is openly giving away its patents and is encouraging compatibility with its Superchargers.

With google working on an autonomous car, it's a no brainer that Apple has something in the works.

 

[Amplelink]

Let's not forget in 2012 Tim Cook said "the wrist is interesting". In 2015 Jeff Williams said the car is the ultimate mobile device. Apple does give hints about their plans from time to time. With TV it's pretty clear people want dumb TVs and smart boxes. My guess is Apple feels there isn't much they could contribute to the dumb panel business.

It would be ridiculous by this point to even try to deny that Apple is building some sort of vehicle. Proving it within a shadow of a doubt would be tough for the average outsider, but where there's smoke there's fire. And there's definitely a bunch of smoke here.

 

[budselectjr]

As a very big fanboy and investor of Tesla, I really hope Apple makes a car and sells it direct like they do. Would love to see the state auto dealer associations and lobbyist try to ban sales of an Apple product. Makes as much sense as banning your local Apple store.

 

[Sonmi451]

They haven't "cracked" TV yet but people really think they are going to mass produce cars?

You can easily master the automobile before you can crack the media conglomerates.

It was only a matter of time before Apple got into the car world. I knew it was coming.

 

[AppleScruff1]

And it will be very thin.

 

[saintforlife]

I think I am going to skip the first generation of the car. I'd much rather be on the 'S' upgrade cycle.

 

[jimbo1mcm]

...and in other news, Samsung plans on building an electric car.

 

[KiwiAdventure]

Senior Vice President of the Chrysler Group, I wouldn't call this a good hire Chrysler manufacturing is rubbish.

And yes he was top dog so he takes the blame for the rubbish Chrysler produces

 

[username:]

They are starting an apple formula one team

 

[Benjamin Frost]

Wonder if the car will require an iPhone to operate?

No; it'll require an Apple Watch.

There'll be no steering wheel. In order to steer, you will need to draw an arrow on the watch. Draw a left arrow to turn left and a right arrow to go right.

 

[Benjamin Frost]

Ugh really. Apple is starting to focus on way too many things. Wish they'd just focus on their core things and do them well instead of half jobs on things.

Your wish would come true if Steve Jobs were alive.

Alas, he isn't, so we have to make do with an unfocused Apple under the spoiled broth of too many Cook-mandated products.