There is a rumble of activity in the tech world regarding the possibility that Apple Inc. is in the process of designing a car. While it might seem a bit far-fetched at first, this possibility isn't really hard to believe. Apple has dipped its fingers into nearly every other honey pot in the tech world, why not automobiles as well?
Is Tesla A Possible Suitor?
Apple will need an established auto-maker to take on as a partner for this endeavor. To manufacture the vehicle as well as the software that powers it seems a bit out of reach, even for the mammoth California based tech company. So who will be Apple's partner in designing the first "iCar?"
According to ValueWalk reporter, Christopher Morris, Tesla Motors is looking pretty good for the possible suitor. There seems to be a large amount of activity back and forth between the two companies, as Apple has hired a large number of former Tesla employees. In return, Tesla has also picked up more than 150 former Apple Inc. workers, and the activity between the two tech giants continues.
Is iCar A Good Idea?
Apple has proven itself time after time with new product releases. The iPhone and iPod took America and the rest of the world by storm. So, why shouldn't the company consider building a car that could do the same?
There are a couple of factors to take into consideration when the thought of an Apple car comes to mind.
The first is the company's botched attempt and breaking away from Google Maps a couple years ago. Hiring TomTom to build Apple Maps proved to be a disaster, with entire cities being placed in the wrong locations and bridges disappearing into the earth in the 3-D view. If the company can't get their own navigation software to rival or beat Google Maps, then building a vehicle which would most definitely require navigational software should not be the first thing on Tim Cook's bucket list.
The second thing that Apple needs to think about is cost and profit. Apple products are the cream of the crop in the tech world. However, for some people the cost of the products outweigh the benefits of owning them. If Apple and Tesla team up to build a vehicle, the end product will no doubt be a high end vehicle that many blue collar families can not afford to own.
The Apple car could be a very real competitor in the market, despite the possibility of a high sticker price. Bloomberg reports that automakers have already considered not only Apple, but Google as a possible partner for future auto concepts. VolksWagen's CEO, Martin Wintercorn, says that his company is, "very interested in the technologies of Google and Apple..."
Final Thoughts
Apple should most definitely design a car...some day. First, they should get their mapping software perfected. Second, they should be sure they can build a vehicle that falls within the target market's budget. Until they can do both of these things, Apple should leave the auto-designing to the car companies.
What do you think? Is an iCar a good idea, or should Apple let Detroit handle the auto industry? Let us know in the comments below.
