There are numerous rumors that Apple is working on a self-driving car. Internally known by the code name "Project Titan," the project is said to have started in 2014/2015. Now the Volkswagen boss has commented on the topic.
Speculation surrounding the Apple Car reached a new high in January. While some believe that the Apple Car threatens the automotive market, others are quite relaxed about the whole thing. Reuters Now reported, Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess said he was "not afraid" of an Apple Car and that Apple would not be able to revolutionize the $2 trillion automotive industry overnight. In typical Apple fashion, Cupertino has not yet confirmed that it is working on a self-driving car. But Diess believes the rumors and reports are true. Apple has expertise in battery technology, software and design and could easily use all of its skills in these areas for a car - said the VW boss.
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Similar statements can be traced back to 2006, a year before the launch of the iPhone, when the CEO of Palm, then one of the leading smartphone manufacturers, declared that Apple "wouldn't just get it done," referring to smartphones. In the years that followed, however, the iPhone would conquer the market, eventually leading to $65 billion in sales in a single quarter. Volkswagen, based in Germany, is one of the largest automakers in Europe and worldwide, giving the company considerable dominance in the industry.
When will the Apple Car be introduced?
Diess said he was not worried that Apple's entry into the market would disrupt Volkswagen's dominance. He said that despite Apple's expertise in all the technologies needed for a car, his company was "not afraid" and that Apple "would not be able to shake up" the market overnight. Several sources have given different timeframes for the Apple Car's launch. However, the majority believe that the Apple Car could appear in 2027/2028. However, there are statements that 2024 is also conceivable. So the rumor mill is likely to be with us for a very long time to come. (Photo by PavelVinnik / Bigstockphoto)