Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler – or Dr Z as he is more affectionately known – has revealed that the company is open to ‘different types’ of cooperation with Apple and Google, as next-generation automobiles will not be able to be built without greater input from telecommunications and software experts.
Speaking to Deutsche Unternehmerboerse last week, Zetsche said that “many things are conceivable. Google and Apple want to provide system software for cars and bring this entire ecosystem around Apple and Google into the vehicle. That can be interesting for both sides.”
According to the publication, Zetsche’s comments echo those of Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkwswagen, who also urged collaborations with technology firms to make vehicles of the future even more advanced in terms of safety and intelligent features.
The quarterly magazine opines that one possibility for Daimler would be to build cars as part of a joint venture by harnessing the digital competencies of its US partners, but apparently, Zetsche had told the publication that his comments were ‘purely theoretical’.
Ultimately, Zetsche is committed towards elevating Daimler to a level that is in tune with customer needs and wants, thereby shedding the clichéd role of a ‘dumb supplier’ that just churns out automobiles for technology behemoths.
“We don’t want to become contractors who have no direct content with customers any more and supply hardware to third parties,” he said.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.