Technology giant, Apple, is reportedly pushing well ahead on the development of its electric vehicle (EV), codenamed “Titan”, as Bloomberg understands. The Cupertino-based firm is now aiming to begin producing its first automobile by the year 2020, sources close to the company divulged.
As automakers usually spend between five to seven years developing an automobile, Apple will be pushing its boundaries as the timeframe of just five years may prove to be a tad too short. Should Apple’s Titan become a reality by then, it will be the final entry into a three-way battle as both Tesla and General Motors are looking to introduce a sub-US$40,000 EV that can go 200 miles (322 km) on a single charge by 2017.
Google is also planning to muscle in on the electric vehicle segment. Late last year, the firm unveiled a prototype of its fully autonomous electric vehicle. The California-based firm will continue developing the prototype before placing it on trials on public roads this year.
Further proof of Apple’s aggressive development plans are evident in the firm’s campaign to poach engineers and technicians from other rival companies including Tesla. A US$250,000 signing bonus and a 60% salary hike were among the incentives promised to individuals who jumped ships, said Tesla CEO, Elon Musk.
Apple has also successfully hired five individuals from Massachusetts-based battery maker, A123 Systems. Apart from that, the company has its sights set on recruiting more technicians from firms such as Samsung, Panasonic, Toshiba, Johnson Controls and LG Chem.
Additionally, reports have also indicated that Apple executives have sat down with key personnel from automobile contract manufacturer, Magna Steyr. The Austrian firm currently assembles vehicles such as the Peugeot RCZ, Mini Paceman and Countryman.
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Magna Steyr is one of the consultant for Proton’s Preve project. Just saying.
Yup. Also Daimler, Mercedes, Aston Martin, BMW, Audi, VW, Peugeot, Mini, etc. Your point is?
not forgetting the alfa 159
Junk is a junk, no matter who is selling it.
I just wondering modern days in year 2015, still got people willing to pay for junk?!!!
By dictionary definition, junk is something FREE OF CHARGE and still no one give a damn.
Acting as consultant and contract manufacturer is worlds apart. One gives instructions while another takes instructions. I’m just saying for those who are naive.
Germany car – Is it Quality? Think VW.
US car – Is it Quality? Think Chevrolet and Ford.
Tesla is of High Tech, but it is not sustainable to serve you as a durable car. Made to serve the environment, not to serve the car owner.
All human clever? Think muya.
All human got brain? Think muya.
Crap bro, all u said is crap. If youre saying that those cars u mentioned are crap, every car manufacturer got problem too. They taken some time to grow and build their image. Its the nature of things, they dont simply grow in perfection. Give them some time, and spare your hate at somewhere else.
slide to unlock? Siri to drive?
Whether you guys like it or not, it still Sell because of Apple. The Apple geek fans will line up at Mac stores to sign up the car. They thought this is hippie n trendy..
Oh man, waiting for Tesla fanboys joining android and PC fanboys for the Apple-hater alliance. Ready your popcorns for the flamewars.
i hope the car doesn’t bend…
Small cars have lousy NVH/comfort, almost with no exceptions, no matter who the manufacturers are, luxurius brands or not; the weight is just not there.
Can Apple’s car Titan be the exception and be as good as at least an E-class.
Vehicles is not electronics, mechanicals must be there.
thinking heavy= comfort is pure malaysian brain!
apple, please don’t. Build the car with other manufacturer please
Copy Corolla KE10 design.