Apple is Reportedly Hiring Automotive Experts for a Secret Research Lab

When a rumor gets ejected from the Rumor Mill, sometimes its a hit and sometimes its a miss. When it comes to Apple and the vehicle industry, it’s apparently a hit. According to a report published by The Financial Times, Apple is currently hiring experts within the automotive technology industry, as well as individuals died to vehicle design, and placing them within a “top-secret research lab.” This is based on information gathered from individuals “familiar with the company,” and any other details are really up-in-the-air at this point.

However, a team has reportedly been put together with several individuals from the iPhone team, and the aforementioned new hires from other industries, that are researching automotive products. This is being done at a top-secret location in Silicon Valley, apparently outside the Cupertino headquarters:

“Apple is recruiting experts in automotive technology and vehicle design to work at a new top-secret research lab, according to several people familiar with the company, pointing to ambitions that go beyond the dashboard. Dozens of Apple employees, led by experienced managers from its iPhone unit, are researching automotive products at a confidential Silicon Valley location outside the company’s Cupertino campus, the people said. Sir Jonathan Ive’s team of Apple designers has held regular meetings with automotive executives and creators in recent months, in some cases trying to hire them. Recent recruits to Apple’s team include the head of Mercedes-Benz’s Silicon Valley R&D unit.“

“Apple’s latest project is too exciting to pass up,” the person said. “I think it will change the landscape and give Tesla a run for its money.”

The wild speculation is that Apple could be working on a car to rival the self-driving vehicle that Google has developed. Some believe it’s merely an advanced software platform for vehicles that will expand on CarPlay.

In response to the rumors, a senior industry figure told FT: “It’s one thing to draw pictures but it’s a quantum leap to manufacture things, and Apple doesn’t even manufacture.”